Postpartum Bleeding & Lower Abdominal Pain: What Could It Be?

Question
I had my son 14 months ago and up until last month my periods had been back to normal. In September I was 4 days late and this month I was 8 days late. It is about 2 weeks after my period and I have started bleeding again and have pain in my lower stomach. I always have pain during my ovulation time and this is not the same pain. I am 28 years old and have been pregnant 4 times. Twice ended in miscarriage. I have never had bleeding between periods before and it is not normal blood.  It is thick and dark reddish brown. And I am in quite a bit of pain. Its not period cramps it feels like some one has punched me in my uterus numerous times. Hopefully someone will be able to tell me what might be going on. Thanks

Answer
Dear Crystal,

Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods is called metrorrhagia. Although the cause of irregular bleeding can vary according to individual health situations, some of the more common causes include:
-Hormonal fluctuations
-Beginning or stopping oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy medications
-Low thyroid levels
-Stress
-IUDs occasionally cause slight spotting
-Inflammation of the vagina or cervix from insertion of objects, from malignant cancers, or from vaginal infections
-Certain drugs such as anticoagulants
-Vaginal dryness
-GYN procedures such as CONE biopsy or cervical cauterization
-Recent D&C or abortion

It sounds as if there may have been some irregularity prior to this period. Irregular bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of an ovarian cyst. So the possibilities for your irregular bleeding are numerous. If your periods have become heavier than normal, in addition to the pelvic pain/pressure, uterine fibroids might be a possibility. So whenever you experience irregular bleeding from an unknown cause it is best to see your doctor so that a proper exam/evaluation can be done and a cause determined. Note the number of pads or tampons that you use so that your doctor can determine whether bleeding is abnormally heavy. If you are currently using oral contraceptives your doctor should be aware of this too, as bleeding between periods can sometimes be caused by something as simple as not taking birth control pills at the same time each day or something that an adjustment in the hormone dosages can help.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda