Persistent Period Problems After PCOS Treatment: Seeking Medical Advice

Question
Hello Doctor,
I am 27yrs old .I was suffering from Poly Cystic Ovaries  4years back .My doctor has precribed Duoluton-L for 1yr .After completing the course for 1yr my periods were normal .But for the last 2 months ,I have been getting my period on time but the bleeding does not stop .I usually have my periods for 5 days but now it extends to 15 days and I do not have heavy bleeding .This was the same problem I was facing earlier .Now again my doc had precribed the same medication .I am getting married next month and would also like to try for a child as soon as possible .Kindly advise .

Answer
Hello Ranjana from India,

Your doctor should be doing some additional tests besides just prescribing the birth control pill.  Certainly the BCP will get your cycling normally, but does nothing to evaluate the source of the bleeding.  The standard tests done for abnormal bleeding are pelvic ultrasound, endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy.  These are to rule out other anatomical causes of abnormal bleeding.  Treating with the BCP is assuming that it is a hormonal problem, although hormonal problems usually don't cause long periods bur only cause irregular periods.

Once you decide to try for pregnancy, you will stop the birth control pill and begin trying.  If unsuccessful after 6 months of trying, I would recommend that you see an infertility specialist for specialized treatment to help you achieve pregnancy.

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 follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV