QuestionMy question is about physical recovery after missed miscarriage and D&C. My history: first pregnancy ended in diagnosis of missed miscarriage due to fetal demise (vs. blighted ovum or molar pregnancy) at 10 weeks; baby died at about 8 weeks based on size. Had D&C within a few days of diagnosis and recovery from procedure was very quick (bleeding stopped within 36 hours). Prior to pregnancy I had regular 28-29 day cycles and I got pregnant the first month we tried, so it doesn't appear I had any hormonal problems beforehand. Now it has been over 14 weeks since my D&C and I have still not had a period or even any spotting, but I have had cyclical pain/cramping lasting 2-3 days that has been progressively worse each episode (first episode 5 weeks post D&C, then 4 weeks after that, etc.). Before all this, I only ever had mild cramping for an hour or two before my period started. This pain is much worse and longer lasting. I've had a negative urine HPT since two weeks post D&C (I wanted to check to see if my HCG levels were going down) and a blood HCG test at 10 weeks post confirmed no retained products of conception since my HCG level was at 0. My prolactin and thyroid levels are also normal. My OB/GYN finally gave me provera to induce a withdrawal bleed (progesterone challenge), but it didn't work- I just had 3 days of pain during the time I should have had withdrawal bleeding. Now I'm on estrogen and progesterone to try to induce a period. I'm having a hard time understanding why my hormones are so messed up when I was so regular before and why I'm having this cyclical pain. I know it takes some time to get back to normal, but even my OB/GYN is finally admitting this is atypical. I'm getting concerned about blockages or scarring from the D&C, but they won't test me for that unless I fail several rounds of the estrogen/progesterone. They also won't/can't test hormone levels since those are cycle dependent and I'm not having a cycle. They keep telling me it's most likely stress-related, but I've been under worse stress in the past (death of immediate family member in accident) and my period came as usual then. Should I seek out another doctor and a second opinion? I feel weird about seeing a reproductive endocrinologist since I didn't have a fertility problem before... but I guess this secondary amenorrhea means I have a problem now. Oh, and there is zero chance I'm not getting a period because I'm pregnant- I am definitely not pregnant again.
I know you're not a medical professional, but since you've been through miscarriage and educated yourself a lot about the topic, I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice you have. Thanks so much!
AnswerTR,
As you have pointed out I am not medically qualified, I am also not familiar with the medical side of things.
I do know it can take many months for the body to return to normal after a miscarriage. 14 weeks since a period is just 3 months missed, which is just becoming more towards unusual than normal. Most women see a difference within 3 months. However, you're bot most women, you are you and your body may just need longer to rest and recover from the trauma of a miscarriage. It is a good sign that your HCg levels are 0, it shows that there should be no complications from the miscarriage. You know your own body, and if you feel like you need a 2nd opinion from a dr that is your right, and you should seek it.
Are you having a healthy diet? Have you put weight on since the pregnancy? If your BMI is above 30 you run the risk of having menstrual problems, losing weight would really help. If things dont start soon, I would be inclined to ask the doctors for a scan and or blood tests to rule out any medical problems like poly cycstic ovaries or endometriosis. Just because you had regular periods before does not mean you havent started developing signs an symptoms of hormonal problems now.
I really hope you get some answers soon, and get things back to some level of normality.
Kind regards,
Christine
