Expert: Norman Solberg - 8/2/2009

Question
Hello
I'm 42, very fit and active.  Healthy.  Never had kids.  

I have been taking Orthonovum 1/35 Continuously for around 10 years and because of that, have not had periods.

Over the past year, I have been getting Period Like Bleeding from time to time.  It reminds me of what my period used to feel like, (I never had really bad periods or PMS when I used to get them).
Sometimes I have that feeling in my stomach like a mild crampy feeling when it happens but certainly not painful or taking me away from any of my daily activities.  

The bleeding usually lasts between 2 and 7 days and sometimes is heavier then other times.  There does not seem to be a pattern of it.

Also I had HPV CIN 3 in early Jan this year, and had a LEEP done.  My follow up Pap was done this past June and came back normal.  I also had the same thing with the HPV and LEEP about 7 years ago.

I asked my Primary Care Dr and my OB/GYN if this bleeding should be a concern.
Both said no.
They said sometimes hormones change and maybe I need a new pill or just that its normal for someone my age.

My OB/GYN said if its really inconvenient for me to deal with the bleeding that I can get an Ablation.
He also said if I am really worried that I can get a Biopsy and Sonogram done, but he said really I dont even have to because the liklihood is its nothing.

The bleeding is not that inconvenient.  I can just wear a tampon and be fine.  I dont know that I would want to get the Ablation procedure at this point.

I just wanted to get your opinion on this.
Should I be concerned or is this (like both of my Drs said) normal?

Thanks
Tamara


Answer
Hi Tamara,
It sounds like you're getting the kind of bleeding many women get when they take the pill continuously, which is occasional bleeding.  As long as your cervix has been checked and has healed well from the LEEP, I wouldn't be concerned.  I certainly don't think it's a reason to consider ablation.  For most women who are trying to avoid periods, if you get enough bleeding that it seems like a period wants to come, I recommend stopping the pill for 4 days and letting it come.  Then re-start the daily pills.  Taking the pills daily results in a very thin uterine lining, and it just can bleed sometimes.  If you choose, you could just try to ignore it, as there is virtually no chance that it's anything serious.  Best wishes.