HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologymenstrual irregularityAre my symptoms due to PCOS or perimenopause?

How to find whether my symptoms are due to PCOS or perimenopause?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 18, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 24 years old. Ever since my first period, my cycles have always been irregular. For almost 7 to 8 years, I had irregular cycles. I had a scan and nothing abnormal was seen. My doctor said that I should just leave nature do its work. A year back, I started with yoga. Also, I started following rice and processed sugar free diet. I lost abundant weight, although 11 lbs more to go. My cycle since last one year became regular all by itself without any medications. However, last year I had a scan and it showed polycystic ovaries. Still, almost for 10 months my cycles were regular. But, they become scanty and last only for three days instead of five days. Now, since three months I have not got my period at all. I would like to add that I stopped yoga since three months. Before two months, again, I went to a gynecologist. She said PCOS cannot get cured completely. She said there is no medicine that can do wonders and so pointlessly she does not want to put me on medications. She asked me to start yoga again. Also, she advised me to eat well and stay away from junk and dairy foods to reduce another 11 lbs. She is hoping that will greatly benefit me. I have started with my yoga again. But, I have a few questions to get clarified.

Usually, I do get acne a week before of my period. In the last three months, I have not gotten my period, but I got acne around the date of the period. Why is that happening? Can I conceive in future? My gynecologist is an allopath, but she suggested me to take up natural ways of healing PCOS. Is that a good advice? I heard that some natural products like licorice roots, fenugreek seeds, flax seeds, etc., are very much effective for PCOS. I am planning to start with this. How beneficial would it be? Most importantly, until now I was convinced that I have PCOS. I read about menopause and perimenopause. The symptoms are the same including irregular periods, vaginal dryness, etc. Also, perimenopause is very high these days in women of less than 40. So, is this actually PCOS or perimenopause?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Firstly, you need to do blood tests Hb (hemoglobin), TC (total blood count), DC (differential count), sugar postprandial, prolactin, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and testosterone. Also, an ultrasound of pelvis to see the cause of menstrual problems. May be your testosterone becomes high at that time of period date and so you may not be getting periods. Please test that. You can always conceive and there is no problem. But, other things have to be normal. Opinion varies between doctors, but allopathy treatment is available. I cannot comment on the benefit of natural products on PCOS, but there is no harm in moderate amount. However, you need a specific treatment under supervision. Do not worry. With the reports of the above tests, we can confirm either it is PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or perimenopause.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Purushottam Sah
Dr. Purushottam Sah

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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