Irregular period after weight loss

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12/9/12 7:48 A

It began happening to me about 2-3 months ago. I had two episodes where I experienced break through bleeding in between periods. So far this month I haven't. I am very regular and always have been so this is a completely new experience for me. Quite a couple of my friends who have been working out and losing weight have been experiencing the same thing.

Like others have suggested; there could be multiple causes though, so check with your doctor.

current weight: 111.8

163 148.5 134 119.5

105

Posts: 702
12/7/12 7:16 P

I don't really have any advice to offer, but I wanted you to know that my periods have been a mess since I've been losing weight. I'd say about 30 lbs into my weight loss, I started spotting in between periods (like exactly in the middle) and it would be REALLY noticeable if I was doing a lot of exercise. I've now lost 116 lbs, and the issue remains. My most recent period lasted 10 freaking days (when they are usually 5 for me), and even after I decided it was mostly "over," I still had spotting for like 3-4 days. It also seems to come earlier and earlier. It's really such a pain.

Pounds lost: 114.0

0 33.75 67.5 101.25

135

Posts: 461
12/4/12 1:04 P

Thanks everyone. I was just curious if someone else had experienced something similar. I will call the nurse.

current weight: 188.5

275 246.25 217.5 188.75

160

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12/4/12 11:50 A

Hi ADARKARA,

While our SparkPeople members and experts are able to answer many questions, when it comes to those involving our health and medications, it's always best to contact your doc who is most familiar with you and your medical history.

Coach Nancy

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12/4/12 11:40 A

ADARKARA,

At least twice in my life, my menstrual cycle stopped for a short time because I'd lost a lot of weight. Losing or even gaining weight can cause a woman's cycle to go off schedule. Have you been under any unusual stress recently ? Have you been in any accidents that might have caused physical trauma ? Stress can throw a woman's cycle out of whack. So can an injury like a broken leg.

Because you've been so regular with your BC, this is a tough question. You might consider giving your OB/GYN a call and see what they think. Since they know your medical history as well as what BC you're on, they're better qualified to give you an answer.

We're just taking educated guesses.

Posts: 2,699
12/4/12 11:11 A

I'd continue on. I definitely wouldn't stop and restart. I'd also call the gyno's office and talk to a nurse. Even if it's never happened before, crazy things can happen when you mess with hormones, so it very well could be a reaction to your weight loss, or perhaps a combination of your body getting used to that particular pill and the loss, who knows. I wouldn't be super alarmed, but I'd call the nurse for sure.

current weight: 127.2

165 152.5 140 127.5

115

Posts: 461
12/4/12 11:03 A

I'm not panicking, but I wasn't sure where else to put this thread.

I have been on the pill (Junel) for about 4 years for irregular periods. Since going on the pill, my periods have been like clockwork. In the last year I've lost 65 lbs, and suddenly the other day I got a period at mid-cycle. At first I thought it was just spotting, as there wasn't even enough blood to color my urine pink in the toilet bowl, but it has turned into a full-fledged period. It started EXACLTY on the middle of my pack of bc pills. I'm not in any pain or distress, it's just like any other period I've had since going on the pill.

Could this be because of my weight loss? I wouldn't consider my weight loss 'extreme' in any way, but could this just be my hormones adjusting to the new, slimmer me?

I've continued to take my birth control pills for the month, and I finish in a week. I'm really unsure as to whether I should be concerned or not. I plan on just waiting a month to see if it gets itself back to normal. I have a GP appointment on December 18th, and am due for my yearly Gyno exam in January.

I guess my real question is how I should handle taking my pills. Should I just continue on as I have been, or stop now and restart a new pack when this period is over?

Thanks!

current weight: 188.5

275 246.25 217.5 188.75

160