a fee-based online consultation clinic for Obstetrics & Gynecology

OBSTETRICS Female Anatomy Normal Pregnancy Complicated Pregnancy Care during Pregnancy Normal Labour Complicated Labour Normal Post-Partum Complicated Post-Partum GYNECOLOGY Menstruation Amenorrhoea / Lack of Menses Menopause Infertility Endometriosis Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Contraception Vaginitis CONTACT US

DECREASED BLOOD FLOW DURING PERIODS AFTER USING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS Hello, I am a healthy woman of 23 years old. I have been on birth control pills since the age of 17. I have switched birth control types several times through out this time and am presently on the Nuvaring. I have usually had periods that lasted 4-5 days. In the past few months the blood flow has become less during my period - lasting only 1-2 days. I have gained some weight, but no more than 5lbs. I have not changed my life style drastically and am a generally healthy eater. What could this mean for me? Thanks. KM, 39 yrs. Australia REPLY KM, Decrease in the amount of blood flow during the menstrual periods can occur in many women after being on hormonal contraceptives like the Nuvaring or the oral contraceptive pill. This is because the the main function of these pills or the Nuvaring is to prevent ovulation from the ovaries. When ovulation does not occur, the level of estrogen decreases in the blood and the inner uterine lining (the endometrium) fails to develop properly. Over time, the growth of the endometrium may become lesser and lesser, causing the amount of menstrual bleeding to decrease. To correct this, you will need to stop using the Nuvaring (or any other hormonal contraceptives) and use an alternative like condoms or IUD's for 6 months. This will help normal hormonal level to resume, ovulation to recur and the growth of the endometrium to become normal again. You can then go back to the Nuvaring. I hope this helps. Please free to ask a follow-up question if you require more information. FOLLOW-UP Is there any possibility of pregnancy with these symptoms? REPLY The chances of pregnancy are very less , although it cannot be absolutely ruled out. Please take a blood pregnancy test for confirmation KM paid $20 on October 2 2008 at 8:30 PM Previous : Next Read Questions asked by other Users on this Site: On Breasts On Menstruation On Pregnancy On Infertility On Menopause On Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) On Sex On Male Sexual health On Other Miscellaneous Questions Bookmark this page Digg it! Stumbleupon Facebook del.icio.us Web www.gynaeonline.com Go Top

Please read the Disclaimer before using this site.

Site Designed, Developed and Maintained by Nandan Enterprises.

You are Visitor No. Free Web Site Counter