Expert: Norman Solberg - 12/31/2008

Question
i stopped taking Depo birth control about 8 or 9 months ago now and i have had a couple periords since then but this last period has lasted for a month if not more now. ive gone through 2 huge boxes of tampons and about to buy my 3rd! is it normal to have a period this long???

Answer
No, not normal.  Since you've only had a couple periods in 8-9 months, you're not ovulating regularly.  That results in build up of the uterine lining, and sometimes the prolonged kind of bleeding you're having.  You should see someone to get treated for this.  As an alternative if you have access you could go on the pill taking 2 daily for one pack, and that will probably resolve this bleeding.  It's likely to recur though, so it's still good to see someone.  You should also take some iron pills one daily to replace the iron you've lost.