Experiencing Daily Bleeding for Nearly Three Months
At 19 years old, standing at 180 cm and weighing 80 kg, I am facing a concerning health issue. For nearly three months, I've experienced a persistent bleeding episode, which resembles a very light menstrual flow. For the past two years, I've been using a combination birth control pill and have been diligent about taking a week of placebo pills every three or four months to avoid breakthrough bleeding, a side effect I’m aware of. Recently, I extended my sugar pill regimen to two weeks, approximately three weeks apart, believing that there might be an accumulation of uterine lining causing the ongoing bleeding, but unfortunately, this adjustment did not alleviate the problem. My daily medication routine includes 70 mg of slow-release Vyvanse, 50 mg of fast-release quetiapine, 0.2 mg of clonidine, 100 mg of desvenlafaxine, and 2 mg of slow-release melatonin. About a year ago, I underwent an iron infusion. I consume alcohol and smoke marijuana on occasion, but I refrain from using any other substances. Additionally, I follow a vegetarian diet. My sexual activity with my boyfriend has decreased recently due to these complications. Prior to starting the pill, I dealt with exceedingly heavy periods that could last up to nine days, which were difficult to manage. My family history includes my mother having endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although I'm not certain how relevant that may be in my situation. While I have a doctor's appointment scheduled to further investigate this issue, I wanted to seek advice here first, as the situation has been a source of significant anxiety for me. Thank you for reading!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 3:20:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about experiencing daily bleeding for nearly three months, especially given your medical history and family background. The combination of your birth control usage, history of heavy periods, and relevant family conditions like endometriosis and PCOS can influence your current situation. While it's good that you have an upcoming appointment to investigate this further, there are specific actions you can take in the meantime to help manage your anxiety and address the bleeding.
Explanation:
Your persistent light bleeding might be due to several factors, including hormonal imbalances, the effects of your birth control pills, or perhaps issues related to conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, especially given your family history. It is essential to understand that changes in bleeding patterns can occur with hormonal contraceptives, and managing them sometimes requires a different approach or monitoring.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your bleeding patterns, including the amount, consistency, and any accompanying symptoms (like pain), to share with your healthcare provider. This information will be valuable for your evaluation.
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Assess Potential Triggers: Reflect on any lifestyle changes, stress levels, or other factors (like medication adjustments) that may have coincided with the onset of your bleeding. Note any correlations, as this could be useful information for your appointment.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Options: Depending on your situation and any recommendations from your healthcare provider, you might discuss taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen to help manage any discomfort related to bleeding.
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Mental Health Support: Given your anxiety about this situation, consider engaging in stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise, which can help ease your worries while you wait for your appointment.
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Limit Substances: Since you mentioned occasional alcohol and marijuana use, it's wise to limit these to see if there's any improvement in your symptoms. Both can affect hormone levels and overall health.
While it's essential to prepare for your upcoming doctor visit with your notes and observations, know that you're taking proactive steps to understand and address this concern. Your health and peace of mind are the top priorities. Please feel free to reach out if you need more specific information or support!
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