Prolonged Bleeding Since October
I’m a 20-year-old woman, standing at around 160 cm and weighing approximately 59 kg. To summarize, I've been experiencing continuous bleeding since September. I underwent an ultrasound, which yielded normal results, as did my blood tests, aside from a mild iron deficiency. Following my doctor’s advice, I started taking birth control, but after two weeks, the bleeding has not ceased and shows no signs of lessening. The pharmacist informed me that this should have improved within a week, yet there has been no change. Residing in Canada limits my options for quickly consulting a gynecologist due to the healthcare system's inefficiencies. Seeking private care isn't feasible for me as a broke student at the moment. Can anyone provide insights into what might be happening?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 3:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with prolonged bleeding, and I’m here to help you understand what might be happening and what steps you can take next.
Main Points
You have been experiencing continuous bleeding since September, have already undergone tests showing normal results (ultrasound and blood work), and have started birth control with no improvement. It's understandable to be concerned, especially given the duration and persistence of symptoms.
Explanation
Prolonged bleeding in women can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, uterine conditions like fibroids or polyps, or issues related to your menstrual cycle. Since your ultrasound and blood tests (except for mild iron deficiency) came back normal, this suggests that more serious issues have been ruled out for now. Birth control pills can sometimes help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding, but they can take some time to be effective.
Next Steps
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Continue Birth Control: Keep taking your birth control as prescribed; it typically takes at least 3 months for some people to see improvements in their bleeding patterns. Monitor any changes in your bleeding pattern and note them down.
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Manage Iron Deficiency: Since you have a mild iron deficiency, incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet (like leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals) and consider vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance iron absorption. If dietary changes are challenging, look for low-cost iron supplements that can help.
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Tracks Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your bleeding (for example, how heavy the bleeding is, any associated pain, and duration). This will be valuable information for your doctor in the future.
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Non-Urgent Support: If the prolonged bleeding continues beyond another month and shows no signs of improvement, consider reaching out to a public health clinic or a women’s health organization in your area for advice. They might be able to offer more accessible resources for you. Some places may also offer sliding scale fees based on income.
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Seek Community: If possible, connect with peers or support groups in your community (online forums or university groups) for shared experiences and advice from others who may be in similar circumstances.
Your situation is concerning, and it's important to prioritize your health. Please take these steps and remain in tune with your body. If at any point the bleeding becomes heavier, is accompanied by severe pain, or if you develop other alarming symptoms (like dizziness or fainting), it would be essential to seek care even if that means going to an urgent care setting.
Let me know if you need further assistance or more specific information!
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