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Sudden Weight Gain but Not Pregnant
I'll be 46 at the end of this month & just moved to a new state so I don't have the luxury of knowing any doctors. In the last 1-2 months I suddenly gained 40 + lbs & look pregnant. That seems to be where the weight all is. A urinalysis proved negative for pregnancy on Monday & with my 3 grown kids I did not gain this much weight &/or so fast. I just look pregnant & feel "full - heavy - tired & short of breath" most of the time. Tomorrow I go for a Pelvic ultrasound w/a full bladder. The day after I am scheduled for an Abdomen ultrasound - w/fasting. Any idea what we are looking for or what could cause this? I can barely eat because I feel so full & yet it's lately that I've gained the most weight. I am not in pain, I just feel miserable - like over due. When I asked at the doctor's office what could cause this & what we are looking for they said 'a cyst, tumor, or cancer'...... I would kind of like a bit more information if at all possible. In the last week I gained another 10lbs & I know this can not be good or keep on.
Thanks,
JoeShell
Thanks,
JoeShell
I have been on the most active regimine possible for the last two years. I too have been through severe stress and beyond for the past 20 years. Thanks to a divorce and support from family and the gym I thought I made it through. I have maintained my weight for 2 years and workout regularly. Then suddenly in January my body turned on me. I lost alot of blood and finally had a blood transfusion in March and then Hysterectomy in May. I was fine and going back to the gym and toning up again when all of a sudden I felt ill, like the flu. SO I stayed out of the gym a few days. Then progressivly I got more and more tired. I wake up achy from head to toe. I have put on so much weight that nothing fits but only in my abdomen area. I hardly eat anything and drink a gallon of water a day. I cant keep my eyes open long enpough to get through jmy day. Its now effecting my job, my family and has taken away the gym and all exercise as I cant get through a routine. I was on my way to becoming a Zumba instructore and now I cant fit into my workout clothes.
Please I beg of you, please , anything that would help I will do. I have been to the doctors and gave a ton of blood. They are stumped but can see the gain in my ab. I too look pregnant but also lik eI havent slept in weeks. I need help. What did you do?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Please I beg of you, please , anything that would help I will do. I have been to the doctors and gave a ton of blood. They are stumped but can see the gain in my ab. I too look pregnant but also lik eI havent slept in weeks. I need help. What did you do?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
I would of never thought I had this, but after 11 months of severe weight gain, bloating, fatigue, joint pain , costipation occasional diareah and numerous other symptoms and going to the ER and doctor office on a regular basis
I had a CREEPY breakthrough! Even though I have never left the country some how I ended up with some sort of parasite......just a horrible thought but a huge relief knowing it can be treated with medication!
Symptoms of Parasitic Infections
Human parasites
Allergies | Anaemia | Bloating | Chronic fatigue | Constipation | Depressed immune function | Diarrhea | Excessive hunger | Flu symptoms | Gas | Grinding teeth at night | Hives | Irritable bowel syndrome | Joint and Muscle aches&pains | Reddened eyes | Sleep disturbances | Weight gain | Weight loss
Common Symptoms
of Parasites in Humans
Constipation: Some worms, because of their shape and large size. can physically obstruct certain organs. Heavy worm infections can block the common bile duct and the intestinal tract, making elimination infrequent and difficult.
Diarrhoea: Certain parasites, primarily protozoa, produce a prostaglandin (hormonelike substances found in various human tissues) which creates a sodium and chloride loss that leads to frequent watery stools. The diarrhoea process in parasite infection is, therefore, a function of the parasite, not the body's attempt to rid itself of an infectious organism.
Gas and Bloating: Some parasites live in the upper small intestine where the inflammation they produce causes both gas and bloating. The situation can be magnified when hard-to-digest foods such as beans and raw fruits and vegetables are eaten. Persistent abdominal distention is a frequent sign of hidden invaders. These gastrointestinal symptoms can persist intermittently for many months or years if the parasites are not eliminated from the body.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Parasites can irritate inflame, coal, the intestinal cell wall, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption of vital nutriens, particularly fatty substances. This malabsorption leads to bulky stools and steatorrhea (excess far in feces).
Joint and muscle aches and pains: Parasites are known to migrate to encyst (become enclosed in a sac) in joint fluids, and worms can encyst in muscles. Once Ads happens, pain becomes evident and is often assumed to be caused by arthritis Joint and muscle pains and inflammation are also the result of tissue damage caused by some parasites of the body's ongoing immune response to then- presence.
Anaemia: Some varieties of intestinal worms attach themselves to the mucosal lining of the intestines and then leach nutrients from the human host. If they are present in large enough numbers, they can create enough blood loss to cause a type of iron deficiency or pernicious
Allergy: Parasites can irritate and sometimes perforate the intestinal lining, increasing bowel permeability to large undigested molecules. This can activate the body's immune response to produce increased levels of eosinophils, one type of the body's fighter cells. The eosinophils can inflame body tissue, resulting in an allergic reaction. Like allergy, parasites also trigger an increase in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Skin conditions: Intestinal worms can cause hives, rashes, weeping eczema, and other allergic-type skin reactions. Cutaneous ulcers, swellings and sores, popular lesions, and itchy dermatitis can afl result from protozoan invasion.
Granuiomas: Granulomas are tumour-like masses that encase destroyed large or parasitic eggs. They develop most often in the colon or rectal walls but can also be found in the lungs liver, peritoneum, and uterus.
Nervousness: Parasitic metabolic wastes and toxic substances can serve as irritants to the central nervous system. Restlessness and anxiety are often the result of the systemic parasite infestation. (After completing a herbal cleanse, many people swear that their persistently grouchy mates or relatives have become a lot more pleasant and patient. "The most famous tapeworm of recent years belonged to the late opera singer Maria Callas. She had a serious weight and skin problem. When the tapeworm was detected and removed, ha" weight dropped, her skin improved and her temperament mellowed," says Gittleman.)
Sleep disturbances: Multiple awakening during the night particularly between 2 and 3 AM, are possibly caused by the body's attempts to eliminate toxic wastes via the liver. According to Chinese medicine, these hours are governed by the liver. Sleep disturbances are also caused by nocturnal exits of certain parasites through the anus, creating the intense discomfort and itching.
Teeth grinding: Bruxism - abnormal grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth - has been observed in cases of parasitic infection. These symptoms are most noticeable among sleeping for children. Bruxism may be a nervous response to the internal foreign irritant.
Chronic fatigue: Chronic fatigue symptoms include tiredness, flu-like complaints, apathy, depression, impaired concentration, and faulty memory. Parasites cause these physical, mental, and emotional symptoms through malnutrition resulting from malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and especially vitamins A and B-12.
Immunie Dysfunction: Parasites depress immune system functioning by decreasing the secretion of immunoglobulin A (I&A). Their presence continuously stimulates the system response and over time can exhaust this vital defense system, leaving the body open to bacterial and viral infections.
The following conditions might also be tell-tale signs of a parasitic invasion: weight gain, excessive hunger, weight loss, bad taste in the mouth and bad breath, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, acne, migraines, and even the biggest killers: heart disease and cancer.
• Anti Parasite Cleansing Program
• The Paraway® - Anti Parasite Part of the Clearstart® Formula
Because every person exhibits celiac disease symptoms differently, it's also a very difficult condition for doctors to diagnose correctly. In fact, although celiac disease awareness and diagnosis rates appear to be improving, in years past the typical American celiac patient could go for up to ten years without a diagnosis, in some cases despite debilitating symptoms.
Of course, keep in mind that all of these potential celiac disease symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, possibly including non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which is thought to be a separate condition. That's another major reason this diagnosis is so difficult to make. The only way you can tell for certain that you have celiac disease is to have an intestinal biopsy that shows villous atrophy.
Once you're diagnosed with celiac, it's for life. To avert long-term complications, which can include certain cancers, you must follow a strict gluten-free diet. However, the good news is that following a strict gluten-free diet generally resolves most or all of your symptoms.
In fact, while you'd expect the diet to resolve your gastrointestinal symptoms -- and in most cases it will -- it's actually very common for you to experience marked improvement in other, minor ailments you never would have imagined were related to celiac disease.
Here's a breakdown of celiac disease symptoms and related conditions, categorized by the body system they affect.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Not everyone who's diagnosed with celiac disease experiences gastrointestinal symptoms, but many do. For example, one study found such symptoms in about three-quarters of people with new diagnoses.
Chronic diarrhea is one hallmark symptom of celiac disease, and appears to affect half or more of those newly diagnosed. Frequently, the diarrhea is watery, smelly and voluminous, and floats rather than sinking.
However, a significant minority of people with celiac disease tend to have constipation rather than diarrhea, and some alternate between the two.
In addition, other gastrointestinal symptoms can appear. For example, flatulence and excessive gas is common, as is abdominal bloating (many people describe themselves as looking "six months pregnant"). It's also common to have abdominal pain, which can be severe at times.
Additional gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease include heartburn and reflux (potentially with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease), nausea and vomiting, and lactose intolerance. Undiagnosed celiacs sometimes develop pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
In addition, not everyone loses weight as an undiagnosed celiac. In fact, many people find they gain weight prior to diagnosis. Some people report being absolutely unable to shed excess pounds, no matter how much they diet and exercise. In my experience of corresponding with readers and others, weight gain or being overweight frequently is coupled with constipation as the primary gastrointestinal symptom.
Of course, keep in mind that all of these potential celiac disease symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, possibly including non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which is thought to be a separate condition. That's another major reason this diagnosis is so difficult to make. The only way you can tell for certain that you have celiac disease is to have an intestinal biopsy that shows villous atrophy.
Once you're diagnosed with celiac, it's for life. To avert long-term complications, which can include certain cancers, you must follow a strict gluten-free diet. However, the good news is that following a strict gluten-free diet generally resolves most or all of your symptoms.
In fact, while you'd expect the diet to resolve your gastrointestinal symptoms -- and in most cases it will -- it's actually very common for you to experience marked improvement in other, minor ailments you never would have imagined were related to celiac disease.
Here's a breakdown of celiac disease symptoms and related conditions, categorized by the body system they affect.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Not everyone who's diagnosed with celiac disease experiences gastrointestinal symptoms, but many do. For example, one study found such symptoms in about three-quarters of people with new diagnoses.
Chronic diarrhea is one hallmark symptom of celiac disease, and appears to affect half or more of those newly diagnosed. Frequently, the diarrhea is watery, smelly and voluminous, and floats rather than sinking.
However, a significant minority of people with celiac disease tend to have constipation rather than diarrhea, and some alternate between the two.
In addition, other gastrointestinal symptoms can appear. For example, flatulence and excessive gas is common, as is abdominal bloating (many people describe themselves as looking "six months pregnant"). It's also common to have abdominal pain, which can be severe at times.
Additional gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease include heartburn and reflux (potentially with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease), nausea and vomiting, and lactose intolerance. Undiagnosed celiacs sometimes develop pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
In addition, not everyone loses weight as an undiagnosed celiac. In fact, many people find they gain weight prior to diagnosis. Some people report being absolutely unable to shed excess pounds, no matter how much they diet and exercise. In my experience of corresponding with readers and others, weight gain or being overweight frequently is coupled with constipation as the primary gastrointestinal symptom.
Cushing’s disease
Pituitary Cushing's disease
Last reviewed: December 11, 2011.
Cushing’s disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is an organ of the endocrine system.
Cushing's disease is a form of Cushing syndrome.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor or excess growth (hyperplasia) of the pituitary gland. This gland is located at the base of the brain.
People with Cushing's disease have too much ACTH. ACTH stimulates the production and release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Too much ACTH means too much cortisol.
Cortisol is normally released during stressful situations. It controls the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and also helps reduce the immune system's response to swelling (inflammation).
Symptoms
Symptoms usually include:
Upper body obesity (above the waist) and thin arms and legs
Round, red, full face (moon face)
Slow growth rate in children
Skin changes that are often seen:
Acne or skin infections
Purple marks (1/2 inch or more wide), called striae, on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
Thin skin with easy bruising
Muscle and bone changes include:
Backache, which occurs with routine activities
Bone pain or tenderness
Collection of fat between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
Thinning of the bones, which leads to rib and spine fractures
Weak muscles
Women often have:
Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs
Menstrual cycle that becomes irregular or stops
Men may have:
Decreased or no desire for sex
Impotence
Other symptoms that may occur include:
Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior
Fatigue
Headache
Increased thirst and urination
Signs and tests
Tests are done to confirm there is too much cortisol in the body, then to determine the cause.
These tests confirm too much cortisol:
24-hour urine cortisol
Dexamethasone suppression test (low dose)
These tests determine cause:
Blood ACTH level
Brain MRI
Corticotropin-releasing hormone test, which acts on the pituitary gland to cause the release of ACTH
Dexamethasone suppression test (high dose)
Petrosal sinus sampling - measures ACTH levels in the veins that drain the pituitary gland
Treatment
Treatment involves surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, if possible. After surgery, the pituitary may slowly start to work again and return to normal.
During the recovery process, you may need cortisol replacement treatments. Radiation treatment of the pituitary gland may also be used.
If the tumor does not respond to surgery or radiation, you may get medications to stop your body from making cortisol.
Pituitary Cushing's disease
Last reviewed: December 11, 2011.
Cushing’s disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is an organ of the endocrine system.
Cushing's disease is a form of Cushing syndrome.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor or excess growth (hyperplasia) of the pituitary gland. This gland is located at the base of the brain.
People with Cushing's disease have too much ACTH. ACTH stimulates the production and release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Too much ACTH means too much cortisol.
Cortisol is normally released during stressful situations. It controls the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and also helps reduce the immune system's response to swelling (inflammation).
Symptoms
Symptoms usually include:
Upper body obesity (above the waist) and thin arms and legs
Round, red, full face (moon face)
Slow growth rate in children
Skin changes that are often seen:
Acne or skin infections
Purple marks (1/2 inch or more wide), called striae, on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
Thin skin with easy bruising
Muscle and bone changes include:
Backache, which occurs with routine activities
Bone pain or tenderness
Collection of fat between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
Thinning of the bones, which leads to rib and spine fractures
Weak muscles
Women often have:
Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs
Menstrual cycle that becomes irregular or stops
Men may have:
Decreased or no desire for sex
Impotence
Other symptoms that may occur include:
Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior
Fatigue
Headache
Increased thirst and urination
Signs and tests
Tests are done to confirm there is too much cortisol in the body, then to determine the cause.
These tests confirm too much cortisol:
24-hour urine cortisol
Dexamethasone suppression test (low dose)
These tests determine cause:
Blood ACTH level
Brain MRI
Corticotropin-releasing hormone test, which acts on the pituitary gland to cause the release of ACTH
Dexamethasone suppression test (high dose)
Petrosal sinus sampling - measures ACTH levels in the veins that drain the pituitary gland
Treatment
Treatment involves surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, if possible. After surgery, the pituitary may slowly start to work again and return to normal.
During the recovery process, you may need cortisol replacement treatments. Radiation treatment of the pituitary gland may also be used.
If the tumor does not respond to surgery or radiation, you may get medications to stop your body from making cortisol.
Pituitary Tumors Frequently Asked Questions
Pituitary Tumors
The UW Health Pituitary Tumor Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin offers patients advanced techniques in diagnosis, planning and treatment for pituitary tumors.
Use the questions below to learn more about pituitary tumors.
What is the pituitary?
The pituitary is a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose. This gland is also referred to as the "master gland" because it controls other glands in the body. The pituitary gland is made up of two different parts. The front part secretes hormones which regulate other glands, and the back part secretes hormones which control urination and induce labor. Hormones are substances secreted by a gland and exercising action somewhere else on the body.
What is a pituitary tumor?
A pituitary tumor is a growth that is located in the pituitary gland and it is made up of abnormal pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors are almost always benign (non-cancerous). Pituitary tumors may or may not secrete hormones.
Can you see or feel a pituitary tumor?
No, you cannot see or feel a pituitary tumor. Pituitary tumors are located within the base of the skull and sometimes can extend into the surrounding structures. Many pituitary tumors press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.
What are possible pituitary tumor symptoms?
Below you will find a list of possible symptoms for specific kinds of pituitary tumors. Of course, there are other causes for each symptom, so please consult your physician if you have any of these.
For prolactinoma pituitary tumors (and nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma):
Infertility
Amenorrhea (absence of menses or menstrual periods)
Oligomenorrhea (irregular/sparse menstruation)
Decreased libido (interest in sex)
Galactorrhea (breast milk production/leakage/nipple discharge)
Impotence
Vaginal dryness (painful intercourse)
Visual loss
For acromegaly pituitary tumors (growth hormone secreting adenoma):
Sleep apnea
Hand, foot, face or tongue growth or enlargement, swelling (soft tissue enlargement)
Coarsening of facial features
Change in ring or shoe size
Spreading teeth, bite difficulties (overbite/underbite)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Joint and bone aches, pains and tenderness (including foot and tooth pain)
Gigantism
Excessive sweating
Oily skin
Impotence
For Cushing's disease (ACTH secreting adenoma):
Fat build-up in the face (round or moon face), back (characteristically the upper back causing a so-called buffalo hump) and chest, while the arms and legs become relatively thin
Hyperglycemia/diabetes (too much sugar in the blood)
Weak and fragile muscles and bones
Backache
Flushed (red) face
Thin skin
Increased bruising or bruisability
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Weight gain
Skin striae (stretch marks)
Mood swings
Excess hair growth
Osteoporosis rib and vertebral compression fractures
For all pituitary tumors and craniopharyngiomas:
Headache
Decreased libido (interest/desire in sex)
Menstrual disorders
Cold intolerance
Excessive perspiration (sweating)
Decreased appetite
Vision impairment, blurriness, blindness (particularly poor peripheral vision)
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Growth failure
Delayed or premature puberty
Nausea
Dry skin
Constipation
Fatigue
Low or high blood pressure
Frequent urination (diabetes insipidus)
Pituitary Tumors
The UW Health Pituitary Tumor Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin offers patients advanced techniques in diagnosis, planning and treatment for pituitary tumors.
Use the questions below to learn more about pituitary tumors.
What is the pituitary?
The pituitary is a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose. This gland is also referred to as the "master gland" because it controls other glands in the body. The pituitary gland is made up of two different parts. The front part secretes hormones which regulate other glands, and the back part secretes hormones which control urination and induce labor. Hormones are substances secreted by a gland and exercising action somewhere else on the body.
What is a pituitary tumor?
A pituitary tumor is a growth that is located in the pituitary gland and it is made up of abnormal pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors are almost always benign (non-cancerous). Pituitary tumors may or may not secrete hormones.
Can you see or feel a pituitary tumor?
No, you cannot see or feel a pituitary tumor. Pituitary tumors are located within the base of the skull and sometimes can extend into the surrounding structures. Many pituitary tumors press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.
What are possible pituitary tumor symptoms?
Below you will find a list of possible symptoms for specific kinds of pituitary tumors. Of course, there are other causes for each symptom, so please consult your physician if you have any of these.
For prolactinoma pituitary tumors (and nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma):
Infertility
Amenorrhea (absence of menses or menstrual periods)
Oligomenorrhea (irregular/sparse menstruation)
Decreased libido (interest in sex)
Galactorrhea (breast milk production/leakage/nipple discharge)
Impotence
Vaginal dryness (painful intercourse)
Visual loss
For acromegaly pituitary tumors (growth hormone secreting adenoma):
Sleep apnea
Hand, foot, face or tongue growth or enlargement, swelling (soft tissue enlargement)
Coarsening of facial features
Change in ring or shoe size
Spreading teeth, bite difficulties (overbite/underbite)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Joint and bone aches, pains and tenderness (including foot and tooth pain)
Gigantism
Excessive sweating
Oily skin
Impotence
For Cushing's disease (ACTH secreting adenoma):
Fat build-up in the face (round or moon face), back (characteristically the upper back causing a so-called buffalo hump) and chest, while the arms and legs become relatively thin
Hyperglycemia/diabetes (too much sugar in the blood)
Weak and fragile muscles and bones
Backache
Flushed (red) face
Thin skin
Increased bruising or bruisability
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Weight gain
Skin striae (stretch marks)
Mood swings
Excess hair growth
Osteoporosis rib and vertebral compression fractures
For all pituitary tumors and craniopharyngiomas:
Headache
Decreased libido (interest/desire in sex)
Menstrual disorders
Cold intolerance
Excessive perspiration (sweating)
Decreased appetite
Vision impairment, blurriness, blindness (particularly poor peripheral vision)
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Growth failure
Delayed or premature puberty
Nausea
Dry skin
Constipation
Fatigue
Low or high blood pressure
Frequent urination (diabetes insipidus)
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