Understanding Persistent Abnormal Bleeding: Causes & What to Do

Question
Dear Kristy,

I hope you can help me.  I have always had abnormal periods- since 1992.  No doctors have been able to tell me why.  They usually try to put me on BC.  In January of this year, I started bleeding, but without the symptoms of a period (cramps, headache, sore breast), and continued to bleed until July.  I got tested for STD's (all negative) and got a pelvic examination.    The  bleeding eventually stopped and I had a real period for the first time this year.  I stopped bleeding for six weeks.  
This week, I began to spot again. I dont want to go on BC because it makes me cranky and sick.  But I want the bleeding to stop.  Is there anything I can do, or is BC the only route.

Thanks for nay help you can give me.

LJ Carter

Answer
Hi LJ :)

First off, have you been tested PCOS? Polysystic ovarian syndrom? Your symptoms are a little related to that disorder. Bleeding, all over the place ..for long periods of time, and short periods of time. You just never know when its going to happen. Usually, its associated with acne, and women get facial hair, and have a significant weight gain as well. I am curious to see, if you have ever been evaluated for that condition. If not, its food for thought, definately.

So, you have done the BC thing, and its done nothing. Well there is another option, but its surgical. Quite often, women whom have irregular bleeding, on a constant basis, are advised to have a DNC. A DNC is a simple procedure, takes about 15 minutes. Basically, they but you to sleep, and scrape away your uterine lining. Then, over the next month, your uterine lining builds up a new lining, with no matter or tissue to hinder it, because everything has been scraped away.

This is often the answer to problems such as yours. ITs like a kickstart to your system, and giving it a fresh start, getting rid of old blood, or other matter that could be giving you these headaches. So its definately an option, and it sounds like you have absolutely nothing to lose, by doing it.

But I think you should speak to your GYN about PCOS ...Here's a link, with more information ..

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm#1

Hope this is of some help, and if I can help you with any further questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)

-Kristy