Never Ending Bleeding

[virgogrl73]

I am a 34 year old female who is significantly overweight. I have always had irregular periods but have never missed more than 3 months without one. I was on birth control to regulate but developed blood clots so I am no longer on hormones and can't stop the bleeding. Last year I had a period in January, none in Feb or March, a period in April, none in May and then bled June, July, Aug & September. I saw my gynecologist who said it's hormonal and I need to lose weight. I stopped bleeding in October and have been bleeding since November until today. I went to another dr and brought up my concerns about hyperplasia and cancer, polyps, etc... and they said no it's hormonal. I've never had an ultrasound or endometrial biopsy.

I've been losing weight but at only 1-2lbs a week it isn't making much of a difference. I really hope it is just hormonal and nothing is wrong but I'm still concerned. I have no pain, just bleeding. Are these dr's not doing a thorough exam because I'm overweight? Do I need to see yet a 3rd dr or should I wait it out?

[shan382]

A related discussion, bleeding was started.

[twokids19]

Hi...sounds like we have a similar problem.  I don't think the weight is the problem, I am not overweight.  I have always had a normal period, (7 heavy days, no light days)  About 2 years ago, I started to bleed very heavy, anywhere between 18 to 25 days at a time.  I never had cramps to begin with, & didn't have any after this started, nor did I have any pain.  My gyn put me on the pill, it didn't work & I started to clot.  I had an MRI & ultrasounds done, everything was negative.  I went to seen a hemotologist/oncologist (blood, cancer specialist) & had a ton of blood work done, still everthing came back negative, except for my thyroid.  My thyroid levels were thru the roof.  I am now on a medication to control my thyroid, & this is the first time in over 2 years that I had a normal period, 5 days.  Maybe you could ask your dr to check your thyroid levels. I hope this helps.  
Good Luck
Michelle

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

There are many reasons for irregular bleeding.  When they say "hormonal" I assume they believe you have the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS, in which weight loss may result in regulation of menses.  This can be aided by the use of Metformin).  If you are very overweight and have not had a regular menses an endometrial biopsy is not out of the question.  I'd also suggest checking a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)  to make sure that is normal.  Another consideration would be to assess your uterine cavity for polyps and or fibroids. Essentially, you will need endometrial protection due to your obesity and anovulation, and since you cannot use estrogen containing birth control you should discuss progesterone only methods with your MD.  The challenge is that progesterone only methods do not regulate the menses as well as the pill.  Your ob/gyn should help you sort through these issues.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing