Why are my periods lighter?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 20 years old. I started to have birth control pill at the age of 15 for heavy periods. I switched to Depo-Provera after about four years on the same pill. I was on Depo-Provera for one year and I stopped it a year before due to irritating light spotting and mood changes. After I began to have BC pills, I get period only once in three months. The spotting now only occurs after sex or self-stimulation. Also, my period was extremely light. I started the next pack of pills, but still experiencing postcoital spotting. I attended a gynecologist for a regular checkup and they called for an ultrasound regarding the light spotting. It was found that my endometrium was at 15 mm. They said it was extremely thickened and required a D and C. As per my research, I found that this is not at all an abnormal thickness for when I am about to start my period, so I disregarded it. During the examination, they found that I had a minor infection or irritation with my cervix and put me on a course of Flagyl. The postcoital spotting stopped completely. A week later the spotting started again. It is now time for my period. I thought that since my endometrium was thickened, I am getting lighter period. What would be the problem?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you have a lighter period and that is what you want, then this is due to the birth control pills. They cause light period and it is also desired. Now, postcoital spotting could be due to infection, erosion as well as some polyp over the cervix. This could be a serious issue if recurrent and you need a detailed OBG examination. I suggest you for a pap smear along with speculum examination of your cervix and a biopsy, if needed. Yes, 15 mm endometrial thickness is not a very suspicious one before cycle and usually do not warrant any measures. I agree with you. Preliminary, I could suggest you that apart from an OBG consultation as mentioned, just switch over to a monthly regime pill than three monthly.