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Gynecology (Expert Forum)
Irregular Bleeding and Presence of Iron-Like Smell / Taste
Answered by
Keith Downing, MD - Obstetrics, Gynecology
MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding gynecology issues such as: Cervical Disorders, Colposcopy, Cramps, Cystitis, Fallopian Tube Disorders, Menstruation, Ovarian Disorders, PAP Test, Pelvic Exam, PID, PMS, Surgery, Tests, Ultrasound, Uterine Disorders, Vaginal Disorders.
Irregular Bleeding and Presence of Iron-Like Smell / Taste
by ch25, Feb 10, 2008 02:41PM
Hi
I wonder if somebody could help me. . . .
I've been taking the same birth control pill since I was 16 years old (am now 24) and up until fairly recently have never really had any problems with it. I started taking it due to painful monthly periods, but never had any problems with irregularity prior to taking the pill (Microgynon 30). Over the last 4 months I have been having problems with spotting throughout the month, ranging from a tiny spot of blood, to an actual liquidy presence of blood (although still minimal, I'm not talking huge blood loss). Aside from the times at which there is blood, I am often aware of the smell or taste or iron in the fluid / discharge from my vagina. At these times, there is often no visible presence of blood at all, and the fluids are completely clear. This often seems to be aggravated or brought on by sex, but is not confined to only these times.
I have spoken with my doctor regarding this and have had little concern from him regarding the matter, and it has until now been put down to stress or irregular sleeping patterns. It was discovered about a year ago that I have fairly low blood sugar levels, and from this I have had a series of tests which have shown that my blood counts are normal and that I am not suffering from anaemia.
I have been concerned that I am not getting a particularly great service from my doctors surrounding this area, as they do not seem too bothered by the problem even though it is causing me to worry about the cause of the bleeding / iron smell, and it is also affecting my relationship in a sexual way. I intend to persist with my doctors, but was wondering if others would have the opinion that this could just be down to lack of sleep / stress.
If you need any further info please ask.
Thank you.
I wonder if somebody could help me. . . .
I've been taking the same birth control pill since I was 16 years old (am now 24) and up until fairly recently have never really had any problems with it. I started taking it due to painful monthly periods, but never had any problems with irregularity prior to taking the pill (Microgynon 30). Over the last 4 months I have been having problems with spotting throughout the month, ranging from a tiny spot of blood, to an actual liquidy presence of blood (although still minimal, I'm not talking huge blood loss). Aside from the times at which there is blood, I am often aware of the smell or taste or iron in the fluid / discharge from my vagina. At these times, there is often no visible presence of blood at all, and the fluids are completely clear. This often seems to be aggravated or brought on by sex, but is not confined to only these times.
I have spoken with my doctor regarding this and have had little concern from him regarding the matter, and it has until now been put down to stress or irregular sleeping patterns. It was discovered about a year ago that I have fairly low blood sugar levels, and from this I have had a series of tests which have shown that my blood counts are normal and that I am not suffering from anaemia.
I have been concerned that I am not getting a particularly great service from my doctors surrounding this area, as they do not seem too bothered by the problem even though it is causing me to worry about the cause of the bleeding / iron smell, and it is also affecting my relationship in a sexual way. I intend to persist with my doctors, but was wondering if others would have the opinion that this could just be down to lack of sleep / stress.
If you need any further info please ask.
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Keith Downing, MD, Feb 12, 2008 09:07AM
, Feb 12, 2008 09:07AM
Hello,
It is often hard to determine the cause of irregular bleeding especially when a woman is already on the pill (which regulated bleeding). Perhaps a thyroid test (TSH) will be helpful. Also, when a woman has been on the pill for a long period of time the endometrial lining can become very thin and thus fragile leading to breakthrough bleeding. The iron smell is probably from the bleeding you're having.
You may want to consider a break from the pill, or switching to a different pill.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
It is often hard to determine the cause of irregular bleeding especially when a woman is already on the pill (which regulated bleeding). Perhaps a thyroid test (TSH) will be helpful. Also, when a woman has been on the pill for a long period of time the endometrial lining can become very thin and thus fragile leading to breakthrough bleeding. The iron smell is probably from the bleeding you're having.
You may want to consider a break from the pill, or switching to a different pill.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
Member Comments (1)
by Randy5, Sep 14, 2008 02:31AM
A related discussion, Iron like smell /Discharge was started.
