WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1998: Re: Truth about pill periods--can someone shed some light?

Re: Truth about pill periods--can someone shed some light?

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Sat, 27 Jun 1998 09:21:30 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Tampons and endometriosis..?.."
Previous message: Lea: "Re: A Letter from the Editor, Please Read"
In reply to: Theresa: "Truth about pill periods--can someone shed some light?"

At Fri, 26 Jun 1998, Theresa wrote: >
>Will someone please clarify the issue of how women who are pregnant can
>still get their period? I've always been taught that a normal period
>meant that everything was ok!.

It appears that there are 2 different questions here, so I'll tackle the first one, regarding bleeding during pregnancy, first.

When health care professionals discuss vaginal bleeding they use the term "period" to denote bleeding that occurs every month on a regular schedule, whether it's natural, or caused by taking birth control pills. Other bleeding, like during a pregnancy, is not from the menstrual cycle, and is called by whatever medical terminology best describes it. Bleeding during pregnancy can be perfectly harmless, but is not "normal" in that most women do not bleed regularly during pregnancy. Things like cervical inflammation, placenta previa (the placenta is too close to the cervix), threatened miscarriage, actual miscarriage, tubal ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, and even labor can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. While some women do report monthly bleeding during pregnancy, this is rare.

Bleeding during pill usage can take many forms. The most common is a lighter than normal period, lasting, for example, 3-4 days with fewer cramps and clots than when not taking the pill. However, many women notice "normal" periods, just like when they were not taking the pill. Others report that once in a while they skip a period, or even a couple of periods. This is usually due to the effect of one of the pill's hormones, progesterone, on the lining inside the uterus. It causes it to thin out, so there is not enough tissue to cause a period. This is not dangerous, and, in fact, is probably protective against uterine cancer. The key, as you said, is to make sure you take the pills every day! Menstrual cycles can even fluctuate while on the pill, being heavier for a few months, then lighter for others. Women should always let their doctor or health care professional know if they notice a trend towards significantly heavier periods when taking the pill. This may signify the need for a change in prescription, or an investigation into things like uterine polyps or fibroids.

I hope this clarifies this issue for you!

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, Florida

The above information is provided for medical education only, and is not intended as specific medical advice. I am sorry, but due to time constraints, I am unable to answer personal e-mail.

Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Tampons and endometriosis..?.."
Previous message: Lea: "Re: A Letter from the Editor, Please Read"
In reply to: Theresa: "Truth about pill periods--can someone shed some light?"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: