Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Weight Gain, Mood Swings And Excessive Hair Growth On Limbs?
Question: Hi
I have been struggling for years with coarse hair growth on my neck and face, male pattern hair growth on my lower back, excessive hair growth on arms and legs. Loss of hair in my eyebrows. Weight gain . Mood swings, I have been diagnosed with depression and on Effexor for years. Rage . Loss of my period then sudden spotting on a cycle and occasional heavy periods. I am 56 but blood tests say I am not ever in perimenopause. Fatigue. Trouble getting and staying asleep. High blood pressure . My thyroid and THS come back within normal range. I seem to have a high normal testosterone level.
I am now suffering from shortness of breath and have muscle pain .
I am so sick of feeling lousy .
What is going on with me?
I have been struggling for years with coarse hair growth on my neck and face, male pattern hair growth on my lower back, excessive hair growth on arms and legs. Loss of hair in my eyebrows. Weight gain . Mood swings, I have been diagnosed with depression and on Effexor for years. Rage . Loss of my period then sudden spotting on a cycle and occasional heavy periods. I am 56 but blood tests say I am not ever in perimenopause. Fatigue. Trouble getting and staying asleep. High blood pressure . My thyroid and THS come back within normal range. I seem to have a high normal testosterone level.
I am now suffering from shortness of breath and have muscle pain .
I am so sick of feeling lousy .
What is going on with me?
Brief Answer:
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
I am very sorry to learn about your medical symptoms.
When I see someone like you I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
Electrolytes
Creatinine
Bicarbonate
Calcium
Liver function tests
HbA1c
Lipids
Androstenedione
DHEAS
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
IGF1
17 hydroxy progesterone
Midnight salivary cortisol
I also strongly encourage youth see an Endocrinologist in person as well as a Gynecologist.
These tests look for uncommon conditions such as Cushings syndrome, Acromegaly and Hyperandrogenism. I know these are complex terms but they refer to medical problems associated imbalance of hormones which can result in symptoms quite similar to the ones you are experiencing.
I have noted that your TSH is normal and Testosterone is high normal.
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
I am very sorry to learn about your medical symptoms.
When I see someone like you I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
Electrolytes
Creatinine
Bicarbonate
Calcium
Liver function tests
HbA1c
Lipids
Androstenedione
DHEAS
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
IGF1
17 hydroxy progesterone
Midnight salivary cortisol
I also strongly encourage youth see an Endocrinologist in person as well as a Gynecologist.
These tests look for uncommon conditions such as Cushings syndrome, Acromegaly and Hyperandrogenism. I know these are complex terms but they refer to medical problems associated imbalance of hormones which can result in symptoms quite similar to the ones you are experiencing.
I have noted that your TSH is normal and Testosterone is high normal.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
