Period Hasn't Stopped for Nearly Two Months

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am 27, and have always had heavy periods but fairly regular ones. About two months ago, my period ended, but after having sex a few days later it started again. It was on and off, fairly light, for a couple weeks. I saw a doctor and he gave me a prescription for the pill, Loestrin24Fe. I started taking it about three weeks ago, and have now had a moderately heavy period lasting about twice as long as it usually does, with no sign of slowing. Is this normal? When can I expect to stop bleeding? I've read that stress can cause hormone imbalances, but it is hard to relax when you don't know what is wrong with you! I just want to be normal again.

Dear Amanda:

I realize your concern about your irregular periods. Let me reassure you that most irregular periods are benign. Missed periods, too frequent periods, spotting, or bouts of heavy clotting and bleeding are usually caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance that is easily treated.

Now since you started recently Loestrin24fe, the increase in volume of your menses could be explained by your medication. You are now taking hormones that are not produced by your body and usually the body would need two or three cycles to regulate with the external hormone that is receiving.

I would suggest you to wait for the next cycle and if your menses are still heavy, you might want to consult your Gynecologist for a re evaluation of your medication and possible change. I wish you the best.