Frequent Periods After Epidural Steroid Injection: Causes & Concerns

Question
Ever since I had an epidural steroid injection in my low back, I've been experiencing periods twice a month.  The doc says it can be a side effect, but should maybe last a month. It is going on my fourth month of double periods. Nothing heavy...just annoying because I have been regular all my life and do not take birth control. I am 40...can this be premenopause? Have you had experience with anyone else having this side effect? I have also noticed more hair loss than usual.

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Tanja from the U.S.,

I'm afraid I have never heard of epidural steroids causing this side effect.  Certainly intravenous steroids can alter your normal hormonal environment and may cause this type of break through bleeding, but epidural injections are not into the blood stream.  There may be some other hormonal dysfunction, such as perimonpause, going on as well.  You'll need an evaluation to determine what is happening.

Good Luck,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf