I have been bleeding for six weeks, getting scared

[Rolypops]

I'm on the contraceptive implant and have been for years. Until the last few weeks I hadn't had a period in a year or more. However I've now been bleeding for six weeks, some days lighter than others but usually heavy with small clots. I have a history of cervical ectropion and have put off going to the GP as a result, as having it treated last time was quite traumatising. This feels different though, heavy with painful cramps mostly in the morning.

Another thing to mention is I've had a bacterial chest infection for almost the same amount of time and started to use a steroid inhaler. I suspect Covid may have been the cause and I've heard that can cause heavy periods?

Is this something I can wait out or should I get it checked? I won't get examined until the bleeding stops I'd imagine but I'm starting to worry it could be something sinister, or can perimenopause cause this kind of bleeding? I'm only 36 but there have been other signs.

Advice would be much appreciated, I am so fed up!

I really think you should call your GP. I appreciate that you don't want to be examined if the last time was upsetting but at least ring for advice.

I had three contraceptive implants. The first two I had no periods. Part way through the third I just started bleeding constantly. However it was more like constant spotting. In the end I had it removed as I couldn't even book a smear test as these need to be done when you are not bleeding. However with your health history I would 100% go to the GP asap to talk about it.

I suppose I'm just really dreading going through the examination process again I've only just got out of hospital with my bloody chest!

I have now been bleeding for nearly eight (!) weeks. It was so severe yesterday along with intense pain that I ended up in A&E. They have prescribed me progesterone to stop the bleeding but have said I won't be able to have a scan to rule anything out for up to three months. I am so worried as the nurse who examined me said my abdomen felt swollen, but the Dr didn't even check it - not just his fault as I should have asked but internal exams make me feel a bit disassociated and I just forgot - though that exam showed my cervix etc looked normal.

If the progesterone works would that likely mean it wasn't something awful like uterine/ovarian cancer? I am in such a bloody state about it and have never had anything like this before.

@Rolypops How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

I'm 36. I mentioned perimenopause to the Dr but he said it's unlikely due to my age.

Thanks. At 36 if your ovaries are shutting down it would be called ovarian insufficiency not perimenopause, but it's probably not what's happening. Heavy and prolonged bleeding can be caused by fibroids, which are benign growths. You need a TVS and US scan.

I've been referred for scans but could be waiting up to three months, which is such a long time to have to worry about this.

@Rolypops Poor thing, I agree, but hopefully the progesterone will do its job. Which progesterone has been prescribed?

I have been prescribed Norethisterone three times a day for three months. Hoping it works as that probably means that it is hormonal rather than something worse? but I am just guessing about that!

Yes, if it works it's probably hormonal. Try not to worry, you are getting the right treatment. Keep us posted. Fingers crossed for you. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻💖

Just an update to this thread. I'm now bleeding AGAIN. The bleeding stopped when I took the tablets prescribed and had started again after stopping them due to side effects. They won't scan me until January and I am terrified it's cancer that won't be caught in time. Don't know what to do.

Have you had any blood tests to check CA125?

None specifically to check for that. The only blood tests I've had are for a chest infection I had around eight weeks ago when the bleeding started too. Both occurred at the same time. Can't afford a private scan but don't know how to stress to the Dr that January is too long. I can't be left like this :(

I had this issue with the implant. Over a 12 month period, I had 6 weeks where I was not bleeding/spotting in some way.

Very effective contraceptive as we barely got the opportunity to have sex 😂

I had it out and was referred for an internal scan. That picked up some ovarian cysts (nothing to worry about though) which can be a common side effect of the implant and can cause prolonged bleeding.

I am on cerazette tablets now and get a couple of days of bleeding every 12 months or so. It knocks me for 6 but it's still a massive improvement!

Currently going through this - Do you have an update?