Expert: Norman Solberg - 6/29/2010

Question
i was on the birth control shot for two and a half years i was bleeding nearly the entire time not heavy but it made its self loud and clear. i stopped getting my shot injections about four months ago i haven't had a period until now. i have been bleeding for twenty days now, heavy. it started out as a real dark brown color and has turned bright red. is this normal?? will it stop?? is my body still messed up from the birth control??

Answer
Ovulation is what causes normal periods.  Sometimes it takes a number of months for ovulation to occur after stopping the depo shot.  When you don't ovulate, the uterine lining can build up over time, and at some point bleeding can occur.  Since you've been bleeding for 20 days, I would see your doctor.  Either some progesterone pills or birth control pills will control the bleeding, and then you can wait for your body to get back to normal periods.  Best wishes.