What can be the reason for spotting and delayed periods?

Question

Hi doctor,

My last 2 periods were very light. The latest one came after 50 days and started with 5 days spotting followed by light flow which is going on for 6th day now and has not stopped. My periods have been regular so far, 30 days cycle and lasts for 3 days with 2nd day heaviest. But, since the last 2 cycles there has not been a heavy day.

I have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus since age 14 and now am 31. Recently for acidity I was on Rabeprazole for close to 3 months.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understood that your menses have been regular so far and it is just since last 2 months that you have been experiencing delayed menses and metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding). It seems unlikely that there is a sudden hormonal deficiency. But, likely stress induced hormonal imbalance and late estrogenization has probably occurred. Date should not be a concern here in the delay as the pattern had been regular till last 2 cycles. The delay can also possibly be due to hyperprolactinemia or recent onset hypothyroidism as well. Hence, I would advise you to get a thyroid profile and serum prolactin levels done as well.

However, if the bleeding does not stop in next few days then you can consider opting for Progesterone pills like Meprate (Medroxyprogesterone) 10 mg once a day for next 15 days. This shall not just help control bleeding but also regulate it for this cycle. Observe the pattern for next 2 cycles and try to keep the stress levels low in next cycles.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.