Is it stress?? Is it digestive?? Is it ovarian cyst??

[havingfaith]

I am a 25 year old female who works full time, commutes, and is very busy. 6 months ago I moved out of my parent's home into my own place and within a week or two I started gaining weight and experiencing fullness and nausea after eating red meats,salmon, bread, and popcorn. I can not lose weight to this day no matter what I do. I have gained 6 pounds ! To this day I wake up so full no matter what time I eat the night before and very nauseated every single day. I can't eat certain foods. I bloat real bad and always am uncomfortable. Sometimes my stomach is so bloated it is sore. I have had `1 menstrual cycle since June and it was very short and light. I went to PCP and she thought it was gastro related. I tried Prilosec and probiotics with no help for 1 month. I went to a gastro doctor who ordered an ultrasound of abdomen and it showed nothing. Is it stress? I don't feel stressed. Is it digestive? Is it an ovarian cyst? My symptoms get worse every month. Sorry for my long message. I am just at my wits end !

[hopeshell]

Yes, you definitely can have cysts without pain.   It is common to not even know you have a cyst until it reaches a large size.  You do have every symptom of PCOS.  I have a good friend with PCOS and her symptoms were just like yours.  It can make you feel terrible!  There are medications that can be very effective at helping control PCOS.  I hope you can get some help from a specialist soon!  

Take care,

Shelly

[havingfaith]

Thanks Shelly ! I have wondered if I have PCOS. I am very hairy ( lots of waxing and tweezing!) and I have had trouble with acne for nearly a year. Can you have ovarian cyst without pain at all ? All my symptoms seem to point in that direction. I think it may be stress but for 6 months and every month worse....

[hopeshell]

It sounds like you are a very busy lady and have had some major recent life changes.  Stress can make things worse.  But, that doesn't mean you don't also have some condition that causing your symptoms.  I think it would be wise to see your gynecologist and ask for a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out ovarian cysts.  They can cause the symptoms you describe.  He/she may be able to prescribe some medication that will help regulate your hormones or shrink the cysts.  Also, have you had your blood sugar checked?  You should ask your doctor about the HgA1c blood test rather than just a fasting glucose.  Many of your symptoms also sound like insulin resistance which can be hard to detect in early stages.  The change in eating habits at your parents' house may be making this condition worse.   You also may want to talk to your doctor about PCOS.  Your lack of period for that length of time is warning sign that needs attention.  Insulin resistance, ovarian cysts and all the symptoms you described can go along with PCOS.  I hope you find answers soon!

Shelly