What Does Heavy Vaginal Bleeding After Depo-Provera Shots Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Nov 2016 Answered on

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am healthy 51 yr old female -- no prior health issues
4 yrs on Depo-Provera last shot in oct
no menses until XXXXXXX and then heavy heavy bleeding had another depo provera shot in late august

began bleeding mid sept and have been bleeding lightly for 6 weeks the last month have been on lolo(BCP) under doctor's recommendation to counter and stop bleeding

there has been no relief
I do not have signs of menopause

what should my next step be

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get your pelvic ultrasound and blood counts.

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am,

Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.

As you are 51 yrs.of age( near menopause) this bleeding is most likely due to hormonal imbalance.

First you should consult a Gynecologist and pelvic examination should be done to rule out any local pathology.

Than you should get your pelvic ultrasound to rule out polyp,,fibroid,PID and DUB etc.the causes of heavy bleeding.

Get your complete blood count and thyroid profile.

After that we can plan for hysteroscopy along with endometrial biopsy.

Continue with your birth control pills to regulate your lenses.

Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (23 hours later)

my blood work showed no anemia
I saw my ob-gyn in December and all was normal

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get your pelvic ultrasound.

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am,

Thanks for the information.

Your thyroid profile is also within normal limits or not?
Get your pelvic ultrasound to rule out the cause of bleeding and review with report.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar