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Gynecology (Expert Forum)
Menstrual problem and don't understand
Answered by
Elaine Brown, MD - Pregnancy, Gynecology
Elaine Brown, MD - BLOG
Billings - MT
This forum is for questions and support regarding gynecology issues such as: Cervical Disorders, Colposcopy, Cramps, Cystitis, Fallopian Tube Disorders, Menstruation, Ovarian Disorders, PAP Test, Pelvic Exam, PID, PMS, Surgery, Tests, Ultrasound, Uterine Disorders, Vaginal Disorders.
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Menstrual problem and don't understand
by youngandneedcaring, Nov 07, 2008 11:58AM
I have been on my period for a week now and I only last four days. Now I have lower abdominal pain and just when I think the bleeding was going to stop a few days ago it came back and earlier today I thought it stopped and started again. The first day it was very light then as days go by it was light but not as light as before now it is light again. Please help me
Doctor's Answer
by Elaine Brown, MD, Nov 07, 2008 09:30PM
, Nov 07, 2008 09:30PM
Hi!
First thing I would suggest is a pregnancy test. People don't usually think to do that when they are bleeding too much, but tubal pregnancy is one of the most common causes of abnormal bleeding and pain, and it can be life threatening if it is missed--so even if it is "impossible" GET A PREGNANCY TEST out of the way!
If that test is positive--my next suggestion for a patient of mine would be to go RIGHT AWAY to the emergency room and let them handle it from there.
If the test is negative, I would tell my patient you can call in for an appointment with your doctor, and your doctor may give you some progesterone (often something called Provera is given) to slow/stop the bleeding. While you are waiting to get in, you can try some over-the-counter ibuprofen or aleve take it every four to six hours according to the package instructions. Most people think this will make them bleed more when in reality the opposite is true--it should slow down the bleeding and also help with the pain. If the ibuprofen is not helping then back to plan A--go to emergency!
Good luck!
Dr B
First thing I would suggest is a pregnancy test. People don't usually think to do that when they are bleeding too much, but tubal pregnancy is one of the most common causes of abnormal bleeding and pain, and it can be life threatening if it is missed--so even if it is "impossible" GET A PREGNANCY TEST out of the way!
If that test is positive--my next suggestion for a patient of mine would be to go RIGHT AWAY to the emergency room and let them handle it from there.
If the test is negative, I would tell my patient you can call in for an appointment with your doctor, and your doctor may give you some progesterone (often something called Provera is given) to slow/stop the bleeding. While you are waiting to get in, you can try some over-the-counter ibuprofen or aleve take it every four to six hours according to the package instructions. Most people think this will make them bleed more when in reality the opposite is true--it should slow down the bleeding and also help with the pain. If the ibuprofen is not helping then back to plan A--go to emergency!
Good luck!
Dr B
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