Period problems

I have had my period for over 20 days. It is very heavy, with lots of clotting. My doctor put me on birth control to try and regulate me. I had a baby 20 months ago and have not had normal periods since. I am very worried about the bleeding and clotting, and want to know if this is normal or should I go and get a second opinion? Or go to the hospital?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
First, congratulations on your baby!  If you were my patient, I would probably want to give you a course of antibiotics just in case any low grade smouldering infection is the cause of the heavy bleeding.  I would also do an ultrasound to get some idea of what the lining of your uterus looks like.  Most likely you are not ovulating regularly, and that is the cause of the abnormal periods.  I would also want to check some baseline blood tests to be sure such things as you thyroid and prolactin levels were normal.
Depending upon how all of the tests turned out, I would probably offer you the option of birth control pills for cycle control too--unless you are ready for another baby.
If your doctor didn't do any testing at all, it might be a good idea to get another opinion.

Good luck!
Dr B