Abnormal Bleeding

[Artichoke47]

I know we've had threads on this before, but perhaps we could list all the possible causes for this. I started today, kind of heavy, with cramping (which I don't usually have), and it's about two weeks early.

I am not under abnormal stress (or much stress at all), haven't changed my eating or exercise habits. This is insane!

Can you think of any other causes? I've heard of people having cysts in their ovaries and having abnormal bleeding. What are the symptoms of having cysts?

:confused: :dizzy:

[AuroraLily]

I'm sorry to hear this Artichoke.
Are you on the pill?

Here is a link to a good website about ovarian cysts
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian_cysts.htm#2

I'm trying to think of other causes.
Is it possible you were pregnant and miscarried? This is very common.
Any major changes in diet?

[Artichoke47]

Yes, I am on the pill, have been on it for 7-8 years.

No major changes in diet. In fact, no changes at all.

I suppose there is a .01% chance I was/am pregnant.

[Artichoke47]

Thank you for the link, AL. I think I'll wait until my next pelvic exam to worry about it being a cyst.

[AuroraLily]

What's the brand of pill you are on? A while back I had some mid-month bleeding and my doctor switched my pill to one that had a slighter higher dose of one of the hormones. It worked. You may want to discuss that with your doctor.
When is your next pelvic?

[Blue Plastic Straw]

I'm going with AuroraLily on this one. Low-estrogen pills sometimes lead to breakthough bleeding mid-cycle. Switching to a different pill may help..

[Artichoke47]

I am on Ortho-Tricyclen Lo, so that could be the problem.

My next exam is in 2-3 months.

You know what - I forgot to take my pill yesterday. I wonder if that caused it. I've forgotten them before, though, and didn't have a problem. I would think it would take missing at least 3 pills before your body bleeds or something.

[Scorpius]

It might be that you forgot the pill. That usually leads to (annoying and obnoxious) break through bleeding.
I was on the 'regular' (not lo) ortho pill for a couple of years due to lack of periods...and now I've just started bleeeding again.
This will be the first time I've had a period on my own in 2 or 3 years!!!! :dizzy: (...I think)
Blah. So now I'm feeling all sick and what not today. Yay for periods. :-\

[AuroraLily]

I was originally on Ortho Tri Cyclen and my doctor switched me to Synphasic. I was originally worried that the additional hormones would make me 'hormonal' but it hasn't happened and my break through bleeding stopped.
In terms of missing pills, I know bleeding can start with just one missed pill. It usually depends where you are in your cycle. I know there's more of a risk of bleeding if you forget a pill in the first week than in the mid weeks. I was stupid and forgot the 7th pill in my pack once so I ended up with two periods in 10 days. :no:
I hope it all works itself out. Talk to your doctor about possibly changing pills when you see him/her next. Also do the pelvic to rule out cysts. Good luck :)

[Artichoke47]

Thank you. It's still bleeding today and I am exhausted. I think a nap is in the care plan for this evening. :)

I will try to NEVER EVER miss a pill again. I wonder why it caused bleeding this time. :confused:

[AuroraLily]

The female body is such a mystery!!!
Just take care of youself and make sure you get extra sleep and extra iron :)