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Had Intrauterine Device. Started Bleeding Between Periods. What Is Going On?

Posted on Sat, 3 Nov 2012

Question: I have been having a period every two weeks for the past few months, this last one has been going for over ten days now, I had an IUD put in about 18 months ago, not sure what is going on!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (15 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the history it seems that you are having Dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The irregular and heavy bleeding that you are having can be due to intrauterine device, uterine fibroids, polyps or hormonal disturbances. For diagnosis, you need to have an ultrasound scan of your lower abdomen and some blood tests.
Laboratory assessment of hemoglobin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), pregnancy (by βhCG), and androgen profile can be done.
The management of this condition would require treatment with progesterone to stabilize the endometrium and reduce bleeding along with hemostatic agents like ethamsylate or tranexaemic acid . Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) suppress endometrial development, reestablish predictable bleeding patterns, decrease menstrual flow, and lower the risk of IUD might also help in decreasing the amount of bleeding you are having.
You might consult your OB-GYN who can do the needed tests and initiate the proper therapy.
Meanwhile start taking iron supplements to combat excessive blood loss from your body.

Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (38 minutes later)

Thanks! I did have a pelvic ultrasound just prior to the IUD and everything was normal, except for some cysts on my ovaries, which were very tiny. My recent TSH levels were normal, but I have not had the other tests. I am away overseas for the next 4 months so it is very expensive for me to get any tests until I get back, unless you think It is urgent? I also had the period of amenorrhea and irregular bleeding during my teens due to low body weight and excessive exercise

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (4 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
If the fibroids have been ruled out and TSH levels were normal then a dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to disturbance of femal hormones is a possible cause.
You can start with oral contraceptives with ethamsylate and iron supplements after consulting your gynecologist to control the bleeding.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (12 hours later)

I really don't want to take the OCP, which is why I got the IUD, I am not comfortable with the side effects and risks of thrombosis as I have a family history of this. what would the hormonal imbalance be? high oestrogen? I can try herbal remedies to balance

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (5 hours later)

It is difficult to predict the cause without doing any investigations. I would not advise you for any self medication as your hemoglobin levels are already low and the heavy bleeding that you have might be XXXXXXX
Regards.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar