Persistent Bleeding After Birth Control: Causes & Solutions

Question
When I first started birth control ( which was the depo shot) it was after a miscarriage. The whole 3 months I did not experience a period. Then in the beginning of July 2008, after 3 months, I got my period. My doctor then put me on the pills. I completed 1 cycle and then stopped them. I got my period like I was supposed to, but it didn't stop. After 2 months of continuously bleeding my doctor put my on a 3 month cycle of the nuva ring to regulate me. I just got off those and started my period once more. But again it wont stop. It has been 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm still bleeding. I'm 20 years old with a healthy PAP. What is wrong with me and how do I get the bleeding to stop and did I mess up my system forever? I am now thinking of conceiving.

Answer
Hello Elizabeth,

This question sounds familiar and I wonder if you have already asked me this by email. Please let me know. I wasn't able to find the email though. First of all, I have to tell you that I'm not a medical professional so always ask these questions of your doctor. I have been getting a lot of question and emails about women more and more experiencing prolonged bleeding after abortion, miscarriage or birth control. The hormones are possibly the reason this happens. I don't recommend hormonal birth control because of side effects and risks. I can't tell you if you have messed up your system but I would suggest maybe you should find a different doctor if yours is unable to help you. Prolonged bleeding could be dangerous. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what happens. I will be expecting to hear from you.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl