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Re: Strange Bleeding-Please Help
From: Elisabeth (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 12 Jul 1998 11:05:04 -0500 (CDT)
Thank you for taking the time to answer this. My family does have a
history of thyroid disorders, so I will ask for a blood test for this. I
have been taking folic acid, and I will continue to do so until G-d
willing I get pregnant.
Thanks...Elisabeth
At Sun, 12 Jul 1998, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
>At Sat, 11 Jul 1998, Elisabeth wrote:
>
> 2 months ago my period was
>>strange...it stopped then started again for an extra day. She called me 2 weeks later however and said that my pap smear
>>was slightly atypical and that I should be re-tested in 3 months.
>Could my
>>period irregularities be connected to the pap smear?
>
>Elisabeth-
>
>It is unlikely that your slightly atypical Pap smear and your recent
>period problems are connected. Although period blood must exit out of
>the cervix, Pap smears are performed to check for precancer of the
>cervix, and are not done to evaluate menstrual (or fertility)
>abnormalities. Most slightly atypical Pap smears go back to normal
>within the next year, but your doctor is doing the right thing by
>bringing back "just to make sure."
>
>What can cause out of whack periods? It's not possible to say in your
>situation without the benefit of a thorough history and physical
>examination, but some possible causes include: lack of ovulation during
>one cycle (see below), thyroid problems, high levels of a hormone called
>prolactin, *serious* stress, rapid weight loss or gain, being very heavy
>or very thin, and certain hormone medications such as the pill,
>depo-provera, and norplant. In many cases perfectly normal women have a
>"wacky" period once or twice a year. I explain to my medical students
>that having a normal period is like being in an orchestra that is
>perfectly in tune. If one instrument (hormone) is out of tune, the
>whole thing falls apart. Thus, all it takes is one little one-time
>abnormality of the cycle for a period to be slightly abnormal. In these
>cases we usually advise waiting one cycle to see if it goes back to
>normal. In other cases, if the abnormalities persist, we advise a
>workup, looking for the causes I described above.
>
>I'm sure your ob/gyn will take a good history and will perform a careful
>pelvic exam. He or she may wish to obtain some blood work, but not
>necessarily. Since you are trying to start a family, please be sure to
>ask about folic acid, which can prevent some serious birth defects. Best
>of luck to 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.
>
--
elisabeth
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