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VERY irregular periods post BC-23y.o
I would like to start of by saying I am a relatively healthy 23 y.o female , who is not, at the moment trying to get pregnant, but has some gynecological issues. I have been on birth control medication from the time I was 13 until October of 2009 (I got my period when I was 11), in the forms of pills, the patch and from July to Oct. of this year, Depo Provera. I have also had the HPV vaccine completed by the time I was 21. Between July and Oct., I had inexplicable intense cramping in my right ovary and lots of pain during sex with my boyfriend (of 7 years). So, I attributed this to side effects of "the shot". Since October, I have not been on any form of birth control medication whatsoever. After a long consultation with my OBGYN/ONC he recommended a pap-smear, breast sono, thyroid sono, abdominal sono, trans-vaginal sonogram, pelvic CT and blood tests all on Nov 13th 2009. All the results of the tests came out completely normal or "unremarkable" with the exception of the Pelvic CT. It was found that I have a small (1.7cm) dermoid cyst in my right ovary [this explained the pain]. Before I state my question, let me note that my last "on-the-pill" period was from July 3-8 '09. After my tests, I started spotting.rom Nov. 18-25, I had at first a heavy, very dark brown then "normal" red, light period. From Nov 26-30 (until the evening), I was period/spotting free. Then from Nov.30 to Dec.9th I had a medium to light "red" period, with the last few days mostly consisting of spotting. From Dec. 10-13th I was spotting/period free and now since the evening on the 13th, I've had almost black spotting to a light flow of blood . I had sex on the 18th and 26th, but not on the 13th so I do not believe it was triggered by intercourse. My question finally is, are these irregular menstrual cycles due to all the years of birth control, the cyst, the shot or something else and will it ever go back to "normal"? If you need more details, feel free to ask. All responses are appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
First off. let me say, it is NOT due to the cyst, although the pain certainly could be.
If the cyst enlarges, it may eventually need to be removed. 99% of dermoid cysts are benign, so it is OK to watch a small one with ultrasound.
If you were my patient, I would check your thyroid and prolactin levels. If those are out of whack (probably not) it is easy to fix.
More likely, you have a form of PCOS ( a dumb name for "hormone imbalance")
When someone has PCOS, their hormones are not timed or balanced properly for regular ovulation. They can and do still ovulate, and can and do get pregnant. It is just very unpredictable. If someone goes for a long period of time without ovulating, eventually, the lining of the uterus becomes very thick and spotting or heavy bleeding begins. The "black" blood is just blood that is oozing out very slowly, as opposed to bright red blood which is coming rapidly.
Since you were on depo fairly recently, it may be possible that your body will regulate itself given some more time. Depo's effects can persist for up to 18 months. IF it has been more than 18 months, it may be time to consider the pill again for three reasons: contraception, regulation, and prevention of hyperplasia/cancer of the lining of the uterus.
I hope this helps!
Dr B
First off. let me say, it is NOT due to the cyst, although the pain certainly could be.
If the cyst enlarges, it may eventually need to be removed. 99% of dermoid cysts are benign, so it is OK to watch a small one with ultrasound.
If you were my patient, I would check your thyroid and prolactin levels. If those are out of whack (probably not) it is easy to fix.
More likely, you have a form of PCOS ( a dumb name for "hormone imbalance")
When someone has PCOS, their hormones are not timed or balanced properly for regular ovulation. They can and do still ovulate, and can and do get pregnant. It is just very unpredictable. If someone goes for a long period of time without ovulating, eventually, the lining of the uterus becomes very thick and spotting or heavy bleeding begins. The "black" blood is just blood that is oozing out very slowly, as opposed to bright red blood which is coming rapidly.
Since you were on depo fairly recently, it may be possible that your body will regulate itself given some more time. Depo's effects can persist for up to 18 months. IF it has been more than 18 months, it may be time to consider the pill again for three reasons: contraception, regulation, and prevention of hyperplasia/cancer of the lining of the uterus.
I hope this helps!
Dr B
Thank you very much. I agree 'googling" does nothing to put anyone's mind at ease, lol. I'll continue going to my GYN, and just be patient and let my body regulate itself =)
Hi there,
I am also experiencing irregular cycles in that some months i have a 28 day cycle and other months i can have upto a 40 day cycle. I have just got back from my first appointment with my gynae and she told me that contraception such as the pill regulates your period. Other contraception such as the injection and the coil which is what i had can actually stop your periods and it can take up to a year for them to become more regular. therefore your contraception could have stopped your periods or certainly interferred with them making them less regular. Also remember it can also take along time to exit your system. I am sure in time you will certainly go back to normal. i cannot comment on whether your cyst will have affected things as i am not up to that stage in my tests yet to know whether i have a cyst and if that could be making me irregular.
I think the best thing you could do is stop worrying and book yourself an appointment. My gynae also said to me today that she doesnt want me to become worried and obsessed and research everything as that is the main cause of a womans periods been delayed. If you cant forget about it like me and your a natural worrier get that appointment booked to find out whats going on and put your mind at rest.
Good luck x
I am also experiencing irregular cycles in that some months i have a 28 day cycle and other months i can have upto a 40 day cycle. I have just got back from my first appointment with my gynae and she told me that contraception such as the pill regulates your period. Other contraception such as the injection and the coil which is what i had can actually stop your periods and it can take up to a year for them to become more regular. therefore your contraception could have stopped your periods or certainly interferred with them making them less regular. Also remember it can also take along time to exit your system. I am sure in time you will certainly go back to normal. i cannot comment on whether your cyst will have affected things as i am not up to that stage in my tests yet to know whether i have a cyst and if that could be making me irregular.
I think the best thing you could do is stop worrying and book yourself an appointment. My gynae also said to me today that she doesnt want me to become worried and obsessed and research everything as that is the main cause of a womans periods been delayed. If you cant forget about it like me and your a natural worrier get that appointment booked to find out whats going on and put your mind at rest.
Good luck x
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