A 38-year-old woman with a BMI of 40 complains of irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant. She also reports increased facial hair and acne. What could be the potential causes?
This patient's symptoms are suggestive of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition often associated with obesity. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalance, leading to irregular periods, excess androgen levels (which can cause symptoms like facial hair and acne), and difficulty conceiving. Diagnosis can be confirmed by blood tests to measure hormone levels and an ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries. The patient's weight might be contributing to her symptoms, and weight loss could improve her hormonal balance and fertility.