Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Provera and Menstrual problems?

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal


I was wondering about Provera. I stopped taking my birth control pills
about 1 and a half years ago (due to high blood pressure). I did not get
my period. In June, my primary care doctor gave me Provera to jumpstart it.
I got my period. By August, I had not had my period, but had a bacterial
infection, followed by a yeast infection, and then followed by two months
of bleeding.

I had to go to a Gynecologist, and she put me on Provera permenantly. One
problem, I had abnormally heavy periods for three months, and then I started
having miagranes with my periods. I have had to cut back on the Provera (every
other month) because of the side effects I get. Just the other day, I thought
I got my period, however I found out that the blood (in the toilet and on the tissue)
was also with my stool - is this just another side effect, or is this something
for concern?

Dear MAA:
Bleeding with bowel movements is not caused from Provera. If this persists (temporary causes can be local chaffing or irritation), you should see your physician.
Provera mimics the progesterone produced to change the lining of the uterus into a form that sloughs away. It helps women who are not ovulating develop a more regular menstrual cycle.
About one third of women experience a change in migraine headache pattern around the time of their period and this is exaggerated by some medications, including Provera.
If you are not ovulating, it is very hard to become pregnant. You may have random ovulation at any time: pregnancy is not impossible. A minority of women with no cause for anovulation spontaneously get better.

This information isprovided for general information purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.

What I also want to know is if the fact that I have to take Provera means that
I can not get pregnant without fertility drugs (my husband and I have none and
want to getpregnant)? Also, can this condition (lack of period) clear up on its own,
or will I have to take Provera forever?

Thank you

 

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