[19F] Experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and dizziness post-miscarriage

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female has been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding for 6 days, characterized by a mix of light and dark red blood with clots. This follows a miscarriage that occurred a month ago. The patient reports no significant changes in the duration or frequency of periods post-miscarriage, except for an increase in length and heaviness of flow. Alongside, she has been dealing with bloating for 5-6 days and dizziness, particularly in the morning or after sitting for extended periods, rated at a severity of 4 out of 10. No specific foods have been identified to worsen the bloating, and no movements or positions have been noted to exacerbate the dizziness. The patient has not found relief from any measures for the discomfort or pain associated with menstrual bleeding.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possibilities:

  • Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: It's normal for menstrual cycles to vary somewhat in length, but a period that lasts longer than seven days is considered prolonged. This could be due to hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or other conditions.

    • Treatment often involves hormonal therapies like birth control pills or an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases hormones. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.
  • Post-Miscarriage Complications: After a miscarriage, it's normal to have bleeding and spotting for up to 4 weeks. However, heavy bleeding or bleeding with clots could indicate a complication, such as retained products of conception (remaining fetal or placental tissue in the uterus).

    • Treatment may involve medication or a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove any remaining tissue.
  • Anemia: Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause symptoms like dizziness and weakness.

    • Treatment typically involves iron supplements and addressing the underlying cause of the heavy bleeding.

What you can do

Given your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform a physical exam and possibly order some tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound, to determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. Keep track of your symptoms and menstrual cycle. This can help your healthcare provider in their evaluation.
  3. In the meantime, ensure you're eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. If you're feeling weak or dizzy, try to avoid activities where fainting could be dangerous, like driving or swimming.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Heavy bleeding (soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours)
  • Signs of shock, such as cold and sweaty skin, irregular heart rate, or rapid breathing

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Show More

2
 Hugs
1
 Comments

Save

7 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the possible causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding after a miscarriage?

Prolonged menstrual bleeding after a miscarriage can be caused by hormonal imbalances, retained products of conception, uterine fibroids, or polyps. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause.


How can heavy menstrual bleeding lead to anemia, and what are the symptoms?

Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia because the body loses more blood cells and iron than it can replace. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and pale skin.


What treatments are available for heavy menstrual bleeding?

Treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding may include hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or an IUD, medications to reduce bleeding, or surgical procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) if there are retained tissues.


When should someone seek immediate medical attention for menstrual bleeding?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if there is severe abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding (soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours), or signs of shock such as cold and sweaty skin, irregular heart rate, or rapid breathing.

1 Comments


Margot#98

7 mo ago

sorry for your loss! if your menstrual flow is particularly bad and you find your fatigue increasing, call your obgyn or pcp to get some bloodwork to make sure you're not anemic

1
 Hugs
Reply

Share your feedback

All Stories


Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback