Having irregular and prolonged menstruation

Resolved question:

Hello Doc,

I am having continuous periods from pas 15 days.. I had the similar problem last year as well to which my family doctors suggested me to take Gynaset tablets for a week to stop periods. I had them this time as well. And my periods also stopped.

But two nights before i had intercourse with my partner and in the next morning my periods started. I had unprotected intercourse hence i had an i pill. Now my periods are stopped.

Please help me what should i do.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Sexologist

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Thank you for using Ask a Doctor Service from Doctor spring.

You've been having a problem called menorrhagia which is nothing but prolonged menstrual bleeding. Menstruation for more than 7 days is considered abnormal. This could really be bothersome, and I can understand that. Since you also mentioned that you had this problem even last year, it is recurring again and again which definitely required medical attention.

This problem usually occurs due to hormonal imbalance especially oestrogen. Oestrogen helps build up the uterine lining, called the endometrium, which will either house a fertilized egg or become most of what is shed during a menstrual period. If the oestrogen level is high in your body it will cause thickening of the uterine wall which when sheds cause prolonged menstruation. This condition is commonly treated with progesterone containing medicines like gyneset, which is what your family doctor has prescribed. This is the initial stage of management. Now that you are experiencing this problem again which is also bothering you it is important to evaluate for the cause of such prolonged bleeding.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is one of the commonest causes for menorrhagia, which is treated with hormonal medications like progesterone or OCPs. Other possibilities are

Uterine fibroid

Endometrial hyperplasia

Thyroid dysfunction and

Uterine polyp.

I would advise you to take an appointment with a Gynaecologist as early possible. It is important to evaluate the cause for prolonged menstruation and treating which you will get permanent relief from the problem. The Gynaecologist might examine you, and ask for few blood tests like complete blood count, TSH, T3, T4 and Haemoglobin, certain radiological examination like USG abdomen. These two lines of test will be supportive to identiy the cause of your problem.

Prolonged bleeding can bring down your haemoglobin level, which can make you feel tired and fatigue easily. So I would advise you to take iron or multivitamin supplements. Having a regular period cycle is important for women of especially of child bearing age since This can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant due to the hormonal dysfunction mainly.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you need further help.

Thank you.

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