Can taking birth control pills and managing weight help regulate the menstrual cycle?

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I do not think you are pregnant because you had bleeding after taking the pill on time. I believe the culprit may be your weight, which could be causing hormonal imbalances and possibly delaying or affecting ovulation. The pill may have also disrupted your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle, which could explain the missed periods.

Based on your medical history, I presume that you have PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease). PCOD is a congenital condition, meaning it is genetically inherited from your parents. When you suddenly gain weight, cholesterol can be converted into estrogen hormone. This phenomenon can be observed in cases such as obese men developing breasts and young obese girls experiencing early periods. In these individuals, high levels of estrogen (a female hormone) are often present. In your body, when the fat stores exceed normal levels, they can be converted into hormones that disrupt the balance between FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) from the brain and ovarian hormones. FSH, as the name suggests, stimulates follicles in the ovary. However, once the follicle becomes large enough for ovulation, it is suppressed by estrogen produced by the ovary itself. When the same estrogen hormone is produced by fat cells, it can lead to confusion in the brain, causing early cessation of follicle growth at a smaller size, preventing rupture. During your next scan, you may observe these small follicles, which are characteristic of polycystic ovaries.

This condition is typically associated with obesity, irregular menstrual cycles, absence of periods for several months followed by heavy periods with clots and fleshy masses, or intermittent spotting. Thyroid abnormalities and prolactin issues may also play an indirect role. You may notice the development of excess fat in the midsection of your body, particularly around the waist, thighs, and breasts, with minimal fat accumulation beyond the elbows and knees. Other common symptoms include excessive body hair growth, hair loss, a darker pigmentation on the lower half of the face, acne, oily facial skin, and darkened skin on the back of the neck, inner thighs, and under the breast area. There may also be a family history of diabetes, particularly on your father's side or within his family. This condition prevents ovulation from occurring on time, making it difficult to conceive until it is treated. It also raises the risk of early pregnancy miscarriages. Fortunately, there is a solution. Once you achieve a healthy weight within the normal range, you will no longer require medication to regulate your menstrual cycle or facilitate pregnancy, and your pregnancies will be healthier.

To effectively manage weight, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach. Firstly, avoid extreme measures like fasting or indulging in junk food, fast foods, or red meat. Reducing snacks between meals is also crucial in curbing unnecessary calorie intake. Focus on consuming foods that are low in calories but rich in proteins. Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, with a special emphasis on exercises targeting the waist and hip areas. Activities like aerobics, yoga, and brisk walking (making sure to swing your arms) can contribute to your overall fitness. It is important to set realistic weight loss goals, aiming to shed around four to eight pounds per month. Remember not to rush the process, as this can make it harder to maintain your progress over time. As you gradually lose a few pounds, you will begin to notice positive changes in your body.

To regulate your menstrual cycle, I suggest you take birth control pills such as a combination of Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol. The recommended regimen involves taking one tablet twice a day for 10 days, excluding the 21st pill, regardless of the underlying cause. Typically, you should expect to have your period within seven to 10 days after completing this regimen. Starting from the first day of your menstrual bleeding, you can continue with one tablet at night for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break with no tablets. After the seven-day break, you can begin the next packet on the eighth day. This cycle can be repeated for three to six cycles, which can help regulate your periods, maintain hormonal balance, and provide you with an opportunity to work on weight management. Additionally, this approach offers 100 percent contraceptive protection. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

Hope I have clarified your query, do write back if any more queries. Thank you.