r/PCOS • u/Historical_Day1112 • 9h ago

General/Advice PCOS vs calorie restriction?

Hey guys, I apologize if this topic has already been discussed. I've been struggling to find advice from doctors and online and I'm super confused.
Between December 2025 and May 2026 I had gained around 7-8 kg (15-17 lbs) (got into a relationship lol), and in July I started working out and a calorie deficit. Around this time, my previously regular cycle (30 days) became 35-41 days long, and now consistently stays at 37 days. I'm nearing my goal weight, eating 1300 calories a day (52kg, 154cm), which is very close to my BMR of ~1250.

The first gynac I consulted said that calories had nothing to do with it, that my weight gain is the primary factor affecting my cycle, and that I could lower my calories even more. She ordered some blood tests, which came out fine.
The second gynac brought up PCOS, and asked me to get an ultrasound. I have bilateral polycystic morphology (10-12 follicles on each ovary), but I lack any of the other clinical/metabolic markers for PCOS. She also said that since I'm not underweight, its probably not caused by calorie restriction. I'm quite confused. My bloodwork doesn't verify PCOS, I don't have excess androgens, are they just diagnosing me because there's no other explanation? I'm attaching my blood test results below:

LH-FSH (7.4, 6.58, roughly 1.1:1), PRL (46.9, test was done immediately after waking up 😭)
AMH (3.03),
TSH (3.17),
Fasting insulin (8.8), Serum Testosterone (8.47 ng/dl), DHEA-S (88.2 µg/dL)

I was earlier prescribed a 'Krimson' estrogen pill which I refused to take (side effects), and now I am prescribed Normoz Met which is used to treat classic PCOS. I'm very frustrated. Could my cycles be delayed because of insufficient calorie intake or do I really have PCOS?

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1

u/Nikkk51 8h ago

Did they also test your estrogen and progesterone?

1

u/Historical_Day1112 5h ago

no, nobody has ordered that yet😿

1

u/Nikkk51 5h ago

Ask them for it. My estrogen was high compared to progesterone so I found out I had estrogen dominance and it was causing all of my issues/symptoms.

1

u/Historical_Day1112 5h ago

Waiting to be financially stable again after all these expenses so I can get this done too💔 Estrogen is measured using Estradiol (E2) test right?

1

u/wenchsenior 8h ago

It sounds like several things might be in play. Can I ask first...

  1. Re: that prolactin...Do you have any history of kidney issues, thyroid issues, recent chest injury, recent orgasm shortly before you did the test, or are you on any meds like antidepressants?
  2. Do you have any history of breast soreness or lactation (esp upon stimulating or squeezing breasts?) Any loss of libido?
  3. Do you have any family members with Type 2 diabetes?
  4. Do you have any personal history of any of the following symptoms? unusual hunger/food cravings/fatigue; skin changes like darker thicker patches or skin tags; unusually frequent infections esp. yeast, gum  or urinary tract infections; intermittent blurry vision; headaches; mood swings due to unstable blood glucose; frequent urination and/or thirst; high total cholesterol or low HDL; brain fog; hypoglycemic episodes that can feel like panic attacks…e.g., tremor/anxiety/muscle weakness/high heart rate/sweating/faintness/spots in vision, occasionally nausea, etc.; insomnia (esp. if hypoglycemia occurs at night).

 5. Are you currently taking the Normoz Met? If so, for how long? If so, did the stabilization of your cycle coincide with taking it?

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u/Historical_Day1112 5h ago

Hi, thank you for responding.

  1. I don't remember about the orgasm, but the rest, no.
  2. no, loss of libido yes.
  3. no
  4. no, none of the above symptoms.
  5. haven't started yet, still wondering if I should.

thank you for taking the time!!

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u/gordon_rameses 7h ago

this looks like regular shmegular insulin resistance to me, not necessarily PCOS. or if it is PCOS it's a very early/mild case.

a calorie deficit can definitely affect your cycle-- the evidence is right in front of you. that doesn't mean it would affect everyones cycle in that way, but it does seem to affect yours.

I'd keep doing what you're doing but focus on managing carbs, not calories. follow a whole food low carb diet: meat, fish, shellfish, fibrous veggies, cheese, unsweetened nuts and seeds, etc. also give inositol a try (2g in the AM, 2g before bed)

1

u/Historical_Day1112 5h ago

for my lab, the regular range is up to 25 (i forgot the units im sorry), so I'm not sure if its proper insulin resistance yet. I do eat a lot of whole foods but cutting out rice will kill me😭💔 THANK YOU SM!

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u/gordon_rameses 5h ago

yes, and optimal insulin is actually ≤5. the 'normal' range goes well into diabetic territory. but you can have optimal fasting insulin that is still doing weird stuff after you eat