I have bleeding after my periods. Can progesterone help me?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 26 years old and have been on Yaz Plus for a few years. I started spotting after two days of my period's end date. At first, I was not too concerned.

I started bleeding after that, not as much as my normally heavy period, but more than spotting, enough that it goes through my underwear and pants.

I get waves of cramps, some are so bad in my lower stomach, lower back, and side of my legs. I also get a numb sensation in my legs, and I have this constant dull headache. I am anemic, so bleeding for longer than two weeks is probably making me tired.

I went to the doctor, and he prescribed a pill that stops the bleeding (the body stops breaking down clots). The bleeding lessened to spotting in the morning and at night. Yesterday I bled a lot, and the pain was extreme. Today, the bleeding is less but still present, and I have a dull ache.

I noticed the blood dripping out a lot when I urinated. I went back to the doctor, and he prescribed progesterone for 10 days. Is that the right next step?

Kindly give your suggestions.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing what you have been going through. It sounds like it has been an incredibly difficult and painful few days, and I am so glad you have been proactive in seeing your doctor twice.

Dealing with unexpected bleeding and that level of pain is exhausting, especially when you are also managing anemia. To answer your question directly, yes, prescribing progesterone for 10 days is a very common and appropriate next step in a situation like this.

Let me explain clearly. What you are describing often happens when the uterine lining, or endometrium, becomes unstable and starts to break down at the wrong time in your cycle.

The medication you were given first is excellent for helping with clotting and slowing the flow, but progesterone works differently.

It acts as a stabilizing force for that lining, helping to support it and stop the irregular shedding that's causing this prolonged bleeding. The goal with this 10-day course is to firmly reset your cycle.

Once you finish the progesterone, you will stop taking it, and this will trigger a controlled, complete withdrawal bleed, similar to a period. This often helps to clear out the old lining and gives your body a fresh, clean start.

Please know that while this is the right path, your symptoms of extreme pain, leg numbness, and headache are significant. If that severe pain returns or if you feel dizzy or faint, please do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.

For now, rest as much as you can, stay hydrated, and follow the new prescription. You are doing all the right things by seeking care.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.