What follows is a table indicating some of the most
common reasons why women have abnormalities in their periods.
If a pregnancy test is negative, but menstrual problems persist,
it could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
You should see your obstetrician if pregnant and gynecologist if not.
period change
if you are
what it may mean
skipped period
any woman
stress, rapid weight loss or gain, illness, drugs (certain tranquilizers)
may have disrupted cycle
body hasn't yet adjusted to life off the pill; see doctor if periods
don't resume in 3 months
using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera
common side effect of progestin-only methods of birth control —
drug is probably suppressing ovulation as well as period, effect
may be prolonged; most common among new users of Norplant
and long-term users of Depo-Provera
lighter / shorter
period
any woman
missed ovulation (no egg released from ovary)
sexually active
early pregnancy — some bleeding may occur on implantation; ectopic
pregnancy — especially if accompanied by sharp pain on one side
using the Pill
less endometrial build up, a common Pill side-effect
using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera
common side effect — drug is probably not suppressing ovulation
if periods are regular
heavier / longer
period
any woman
fibroids (benign uterine growth)
sexually active
possible miscarriage, esp. if period is late and with severe cramps
and clots in blood
an IUD user
device may have irritated the uterine wall — a common IUD
side effect
using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera
longer periods are a common side effect; heavier periods are a
less common side effect, but iron supplements or discontinuation
may be necessary
new mother
an enlarged uterus, resulting in the accumulation of more lining;
a cervix widened by childbirth releases more menstrual fluid at
once with less cramping
bleeding / spotting
between periods
any woman
stress; an infection, cyst, or polyp of the cervix, vagina, or
uterus
a new Pill user
breakthrough bleeding, common in first few months of use, may indicate
brand of Pill is not right for user
current Pill user
missed a pill or taken one late
using Norplant, Mini-Pill or Depo-Provera
a common side effect, especially during the first
few months of using the Mini-Pill
an IUD user
a local infection or inflammation caused by the
device
pregnant
normal hormone fluctuations in first trimester
can cause spotting
Sources: Ramona Slupik, MD, associate professor of ob/gyn at Northwestern U. in Chicago, and Mary Jane Bovo, MD, private practice ob/gyn in NYC [Glamour, 10/91, p. 48]. Additional Information from Robert Hatcher et al, Contraceptive Technology, 16th ed., Irvington Publishers, NY, 1994, pp. 296-322.
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