I have regular periods. I am on 60mg of Accutane. My last blood test showed my HDL to be 9.6 & my alannine transfosferate is 40

Question

I am a 26 year old female. My husband has been fixed. And we haven’t been sexually active in over a month due to the fact I don’t know what’s happening with my period. I have a regular menstral cycle. I am on 60mg of accutane. I am not pregnant. I am almost 2 months with no period. What could be going on? I should also mention my “good cholesterol” has been increasing for some time now. My last blood test showed my Hdl to be 9.6 and my alannine transfosferate to be 40. Would that play any factor

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It’s understandable to be concerned about changes in your menstrual cycle, especially when you’re on a medication like Accutane (isotretinoin). Here are some factors to consider:

Accutane and Menstrual Changes: While it’s not a common side effect, some women do experience changes in their menstrual cycle when taking Accutane. This could include irregular periods or missed periods.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress, changes in weight, diet, or exercise habits can also impact your menstrual cycle. Consider if any lifestyle changes have occurred recently.

Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Your HDL (good cholesterol) level and alanine transaminase (ALT) level are important indicators of your overall health. While your HDL level is higher than average, this is typically not a concern unless accompanied by other risk factors. An ALT level of 40 is within the normal range, though it’s on the higher side. Accutane can affect liver function, so it’s important to continue monitoring these levels with your healthcare provider.

Consult Your Physician: Given these changes, it would be best to consult with your dermatologist or primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms, review your blood test results in detail, and determine if further investigation or a change in your medication is necessary.

Other Health Conditions: Consider discussing other possible health conditions with your doctor, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues, which can also affect menstrual regularity.

It’s important to address these concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive appropriate guidance and care tailored to your specific situation.

I have regular periods. I am on 60mg of Accutane. My last blood test showed my HDL to be 9.6 & my alannine transfosferate is 40

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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I have regular periods. I am on 60mg of Accutane. My last blood test showed my HDL to be 9.6 & my alannine transfosferate is 40

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.