WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 1997: Re: Irregular Menstrual bleeding -- first time! Help!

Re: Irregular Menstrual bleeding -- first time! Help!

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 28 Nov 1997 15:27:12 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Diane: "Irregular Menstrual bleeding -- first time! Help!"

At Fri, 28 Nov 1997, Diane wrote: >
>I started spotting on the 18th day after my last period and have been
>spotting/bleeding off and on (one day bleeding, next day dry, etc.) for
>nine days now. This has never happened to me before so I'm concerned.
>Friends say I'll have to have a D&C; others say maybe medication will
>work, but I do have to go see my OB-GYN. What causes this? I just
>turned 45, started menstruating at 11, have never been on the Pill,
>never been pregnant, but am still hoping to have a baby. My periods
>have been almost ridiculously normal, regular, without interruption my
>whole life, a 28 day cycle, like clockwork. Does that mean I've been
>ovulating regularly all this time? I read that this irregular bleeding
>can be caused by no ovulation, which disrupts the hormones causing the
>bleeding to start. Is this the beginning of that peri-menopause? If so
>can I still try to get pregnant? I had hoped to get pregnant a few years
>ago but have been struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome which is just
>about under control now. I had hoped to conceive using donor semen
>since I can't wait to "find" a husband any longer. Is this hope for a
>biological child unrealistic? Thanks for any light you can shed on my
>situation!

Diane,

My head is reeling. One more question and there would be a $10 co-pay ;-0

At 45, this kind of bleeding is very, very common. It is called the peri-menopausal period and thus, perimenopausal staining. I usually watch this for a few months to see if it sets up a trend before doing any testing. If there's no trend, I don't pursue it.

What is a problem? Too close, too long or too heavy. Too close: routinely less than 21 days apart. Too long: bleeding heavily more than 9-10 days. Too heavy: going through three pads fully soaked in a half hour and this going on fo a few hours. This is what I use to make decisions and it's worked well for me and my patients.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG
OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
Great Neck, New York
http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
http://www.obgyn.net/women/advisors/harveym.htm

*Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.
**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

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In reply to: Diane: "Irregular Menstrual bleeding -- first time! Help!"

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