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What Causes Irregular Cycle And Heavy Bleeding In A Teenager?
Question: We have an 8th grader (her age is 14) who is having irregular periods. From March 1 to today (April 11), she has been bleeding off and on and recently her bleeding has been pretty heavy. She also has some cramps along with bleeding. Her Primary Care Physician reluctantly prescribed birth control pills which we have not given her yet (we are concerned about the side effects). They also did some blood work to eliminate some of the high concern conditions after which they decided to try Birth Control pills. We wanted another opinion. Your background includes some research on hormones so we wanted to ask your advice.
Brief Answer:
Combined birth control pill can be given if reports are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. Followings are comments:
Irregular cycle or heavy bleeding commonly occurs during early menstrual years or puberty phase. Abnormal uterine bleeding should be treated properly.
Combined birth control pills are the mainstay of treatment in this case. It should be continued for initial 3-6 months. It will help to arrest bleeding and regularize monthly cycle. If clinical examination and test reports are NORMAL, then I can suggest her to take this pill as side effects will be minimal.
Common side effects: They are quite common during first month until her body is adjusted with external hormones. It includes nausea, headache, slight change in weight, mood swing, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, abdominal cramp etc. They are well tolerated in most of the women and as she will just take for short duration only, side effects will be much lesser in comparison to long term.
If you notice any kind of non-tolerable side effects during the first month, you should consult with her regular doctor to change the combined birth control pill into progesterone only pill or Depo-provera shot for effective result. It is alternative treatment option.
Hope, it helps for your information. Wish your good health and take care. Give IRON supplements or foods to combat anemia. Maintain genital hygiene.
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Regards,
Combined birth control pill can be given if reports are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. Followings are comments:
Irregular cycle or heavy bleeding commonly occurs during early menstrual years or puberty phase. Abnormal uterine bleeding should be treated properly.
Combined birth control pills are the mainstay of treatment in this case. It should be continued for initial 3-6 months. It will help to arrest bleeding and regularize monthly cycle. If clinical examination and test reports are NORMAL, then I can suggest her to take this pill as side effects will be minimal.
Common side effects: They are quite common during first month until her body is adjusted with external hormones. It includes nausea, headache, slight change in weight, mood swing, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, abdominal cramp etc. They are well tolerated in most of the women and as she will just take for short duration only, side effects will be much lesser in comparison to long term.
If you notice any kind of non-tolerable side effects during the first month, you should consult with her regular doctor to change the combined birth control pill into progesterone only pill or Depo-provera shot for effective result. It is alternative treatment option.
Hope, it helps for your information. Wish your good health and take care. Give IRON supplements or foods to combat anemia. Maintain genital hygiene.
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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