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What Causes Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding?
Question: I'm a 27 yr old female, height 6' weight 189 (and dropping), do weightlifting and cardio 5+x a week, above average healthy diet. I take multi vitamins, a mild anti-anxiety, and am on a low-dose birth control. I have been spotting and active bleeding for 21 days this month, and have started my period today for the second time this month while taking my BC pill on a daily basis in the morning. Passed several large clots earlier in the month, but otherwise no other abnormal changes. I'm concerned and have scheduled an appointment with my PCP next month, but concerned in the meanwhile.
Brief Answer:
Hormonal imbalance likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
If you have started taking the birth control pill only recently, it is likely that the disturbed hormone balance is the cause of the spotting. This often happens with oral contraceptives in the initial two or three cycles and later settles down on its own.
Excessive exercise also can cause menstrual disturbances owing to changed hormone milieu.
Other causes for this bleeding include sudden weight changes, stress, polycystic ovaries, certain medications and infections. Polyps of the cervix and endometrium are also possible. Cardiovascular reasons also should be suspected in view of the exposure to hormone treatment.
A proper clinical assessment, trans-vaginal/pelvic sonogram, hormone profile when no external supplements are being given, blood counts and urinalysis to look for any infections are needed. Further management can be planned accordingly.
If no significant cause is found, the pill should be changed to another combination and followed regularly. Supplementary treatment like vitamins, iron and calcium should be given as needed.
Hope your query has been answered. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
Hormonal imbalance likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
If you have started taking the birth control pill only recently, it is likely that the disturbed hormone balance is the cause of the spotting. This often happens with oral contraceptives in the initial two or three cycles and later settles down on its own.
Excessive exercise also can cause menstrual disturbances owing to changed hormone milieu.
Other causes for this bleeding include sudden weight changes, stress, polycystic ovaries, certain medications and infections. Polyps of the cervix and endometrium are also possible. Cardiovascular reasons also should be suspected in view of the exposure to hormone treatment.
A proper clinical assessment, trans-vaginal/pelvic sonogram, hormone profile when no external supplements are being given, blood counts and urinalysis to look for any infections are needed. Further management can be planned accordingly.
If no significant cause is found, the pill should be changed to another combination and followed regularly. Supplementary treatment like vitamins, iron and calcium should be given as needed.
Hope your query has been answered. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.
regards,
Shanti.V.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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