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Suggest Treatment For Weight Gain Due To Depo-Provera
Question: While on the depo shot (birth control), I gained 50lbs in 3 months and another 15lbs getting off. The doctor said it was hormonal and there wasn't much that could be done. I have had a terrible time losing/maintaining my weight since then (2004). Is there anything I can do to balance my hormones? I've had my thyroid checked numerous times and it's functioning normally. My weight fluctuates up and down between 20-30lbs throughout the year. It really sucks! I workout (1-2hrs of cardio) 4-5 days/week, and have pretty good eating habits. (I have developed many food allergies due to vaccines received in the military as well) I haven't had any issues with maintaining proper weight prior to this birth control.
Brief Answer:
Weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about weight gain. It must be frustrating, I understand.
Weight gain can occur with hormonal forms of contraception like depot provera.
It is reversible though.
I see your thyroid has been checked and is normal.
There couple other hormone related causes of weight gain. They are rare but it would seem worthwhile considering these 2 with your inexorable weight gain.
1 Cushings syndrome
This is an excess of corticosteroids in the body. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone made by the adrenal gland. When made in excess it can cause weight gain along with other problems.
2 Acromegaly
This is due to excessive Growth hormone levels in the body. This too can result in weight gain in addition to other symptoms.
I suggest you see an endocrinologist in person who will thoroughly evaluate you and determine which of these tests are necessary.
I would like to believe you have had routine tests like CBC and CMP done too and they are normal.
Weight gain
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about weight gain. It must be frustrating, I understand.
Weight gain can occur with hormonal forms of contraception like depot provera.
It is reversible though.
I see your thyroid has been checked and is normal.
There couple other hormone related causes of weight gain. They are rare but it would seem worthwhile considering these 2 with your inexorable weight gain.
1 Cushings syndrome
This is an excess of corticosteroids in the body. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone made by the adrenal gland. When made in excess it can cause weight gain along with other problems.
2 Acromegaly
This is due to excessive Growth hormone levels in the body. This too can result in weight gain in addition to other symptoms.
I suggest you see an endocrinologist in person who will thoroughly evaluate you and determine which of these tests are necessary.
I would like to believe you have had routine tests like CBC and CMP done too and they are normal.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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