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Is Breakthrough Bleeding Normal When On Lutera?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Jun 2015
Question: Back in January, on advice of my endocrinologist, I stopped taking iodine (another doc had me on it for years) and started experiencing some symptoms that seems like hyperthyroid symptoms (heart palpitations, high resting heart rate, acne, agitation). I had my thyroid levels checked, and they were normal. At the same time, my periods completely stopped, and I started experiencing hot flashes. I had no period in January or February, so I followed up with my GYN, who put me on a low-dose birth control (Lutera). I started taking it right away, and my heart palpitations decreased quite a bit initially. Also, the hot flashes completely subsided. I have experienced breakthrough bleeding the first 2 months - in month 1, I started bleeding at the end of the 2nd week and continued for 2 weeks. In month 2, I started bleeding during the 2nd week and continued for 4-5 days. I am currently on day 2 of the 'reminder pill' week of month 2 (no period yet), my heart palpitations have picked up again, and I am experiencing some night sweats. My GYN just encouraged me to give it another month, but I thought I would check with you. My gut tells me that the dosage is too low, but I wanted to get your opinion.
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Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
take Lutera for the third month also.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
I read your notes carefully.
The body takes time to get adjusted to the hormones. That is why you have breakthrough bleeding.
It usually settles down by 3 months. So as rightly said by your gynecologist, give it a try for the third month.
If you are still not happy you can change it to higher dose next month. Remember that it is always safer to take lowest effective dose of hormones.

In addition do start mild to moderate exercises like brisk walk, jogging etc. Exercise definitely helps in your general well being. If you can add Yoga and meditation in addition to exercise that will be excellent
I hope this helps. If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramadevi Wani

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Practicing since :1985

Answered : 1459 Questions

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Is Breakthrough Bleeding Normal When On Lutera?

Brief Answer: take Lutera for the third month also. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today. I read your notes carefully. The body takes time to get adjusted to the hormones. That is why you have breakthrough bleeding. It usually settles down by 3 months. So as rightly said by your gynecologist, give it a try for the third month. If you are still not happy you can change it to higher dose next month. Remember that it is always safer to take lowest effective dose of hormones. In addition do start mild to moderate exercises like brisk walk, jogging etc. Exercise definitely helps in your general well being. If you can add Yoga and meditation in addition to exercise that will be excellent I hope this helps. If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.