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Suggest Treatment For Irregular Periods And Acne

Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015

Question: Hi, I'm 44 years old and have been experiencing some odd symptoms recently. I've had some irregular periods over the past few years (sometimes sooner than expected, sometimes 2 periods a month). My GYN put me on daily Progesterone (100mg). My period was pretty regular for a few months after that, but in February I didn't have a period at all, and I'm not pregnant (my husband had a vasectomy, and I had a negative pregnancy test). Other symptoms include bothersome acne (some cystic), heart palpitations, and just recently I've started experiencing hot flashes randomly throughout the day. My thyroid function is fine, as determined by a thyroid panel in the last 2 weeks. Should I talk to my GYN or my endocrinologist about this?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suspecting pre- or peri-menopause; recommend GYN consult

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The first time you experienced menstrual irregularities, you would have had a hormonal imbalance which was corrected by progesterone, but this time you most likely are experiencing menstrual irregularities due to your age and soon-approaching menopause.

The phase that appears before menopause is called pre-menopause, and for your better understanding I shall list some of the most common symptoms of pre-meonpause for your better understanding ma'am:

+Mood changes
+Sleeping difficulties
+Hot flashes
+Menstrual irregularities
+Urinary changes (not always)
+Changes in cholesterol level (can be checked, but not an accurate parameter to base the diagnosis of pre- or peri- menopause on); at times it can change a little later and not too early into pre-menopause
+Changes in bone strength (i.e. bone loss)
+Changes in sexual desire and and arousal
+Changes in your hair (not always)
and a few others.

Now that I have listed the above symptoms, I would like you to know that not all the symptoms need to be present to suspect pre- or peri-menopause. It is either the soon-approaching menopause or a hormonal imbalance either caused directly by the progesterone supplements you are on, or because the supplements are inadequate. But I would certainly recommend a GYN consult over an endocrinologist consult.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (7 minutes later)

Thank you for the advice. It is my GYN who prescribed the progesterone, so will call into her office tomorrow to schedule a consult. Thanks again!I

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It was my pleasure entirely

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

You are most welcome. Please do discuss pre-menopause with your GYN and learn as much as possible. A well educated patient is one who is the most comfortable. Your GYN will help you better understand pre-menopause and prepare you for everything that you can expect and how to deal with it. I am also guessing your GYN prescribed progesterone suspecting the same.

I wish you loads of luck, and wish you nothing but good health throughout.

Best wishes. :)

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar