Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Your Questions Answered

Q: Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Your Questions Answered

Hello, Miss Anonymous： 1. After taking menstrual regulation or induction medications, it is normal for menstruation to occur within seven to ten days. The doctor's statement that it will happen within three days applies to most people only. 2. After regula

Menstrual irregularity issues?

My menstrual cycle varies between approximately 35 to 42 days.
I visited the obstetrics and gynecology department on July 25, and the doctor helped adjust my cycle to a typical 28-day cycle so that I could avoid my period during my trip abroad in early September.
Following the doctor's instructions, I took medication as follows: Phase 1 from July 31 to August 13 (14 days) (Eyzu 1# QD) and Phase 2 from August 14 to August 20 (7 days) (Eyzu 1# QD + Medrone 1# QD).

I have the following questions:
1.
The doctor mentioned that my period would start within 3 days after stopping the medication, but I only got my period today (August 25), which is the 5th day after stopping.
Is this normal?
2.
The flow this time is very light; on the first day, I only needed to use a panty liner.
Is this normal?
3.
The doctor requested that I return for a follow-up when my period starts, indicating that I need to continue regulating my cycle.
However, I only took the medication due to my travel plans and do not wish to continue taking it afterward.
I would like my body to return to its original cycle naturally.
If I do not return for a follow-up to get more medication, will there be any impact (such as a slower return to a normal cycle)? Or do you recommend taking the medication for a few more months? I called the clinic to ask these questions, but the nurse seemed unsure and insisted that I return for a follow-up.
I do not have any professionals around me to consult, so I am asking here.
Thank you for your answers.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/25

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, Miss Anonymous:
1.
After taking menstrual regulation or induction medications, it is normal for menstruation to occur within seven to ten days.
The doctor's statement that it will happen within three days applies to most people only.

2.
After regulating your menstrual cycle, the amount of menstrual flow may be unusual, sometimes more and sometimes less; this is very common and should not be a cause for concern.
If you are still worried, you can take a urine test to check for pregnancy.

3.
Since you have achieved your goal of regulating your menstrual cycle this time, whether to continue with menstrual regulation is up to your personal choice.
It should not matter if you do not return for a follow-up appointment.

Reply Date: 2016/08/25

More Info

Managing irregular menstrual cycles can be a complex issue, and it's understandable that you have concerns about your recent treatment and its effects on your menstrual cycle. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Delay in Menstrual Onset After Stopping Medication: It is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular, especially after taking hormonal medications like the ones you mentioned (Eyzu and Medrone). While your doctor indicated that you would likely have your period within three days of stopping the medication, individual responses can vary. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and changes in routine can all influence the timing of your menstrual cycle. Since you experienced a delay of five days, this can still be considered within the range of normal variability, especially after a course of hormonal treatment.

2. Light Menstrual Flow: The amount of menstrual flow can also vary significantly from cycle to cycle, particularly after hormonal treatment. It's not unusual for the first period after stopping hormonal medications to be lighter than usual. This can be due to the body adjusting back to its natural hormonal balance. If the flow remains consistently light or if you experience any other concerning symptoms (such as severe pain or unusual discharge), it would be advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

3. Continuing Medication and Future Cycles: If your primary reason for taking the medication was to regulate your cycle for a specific event (like your trip), and you do not wish to continue with hormonal treatment, it is generally acceptable to stop taking the medication after your desired outcome is achieved. However, it is important to understand that stopping hormonal treatment can lead to a return to your previous cycle irregularities. If you choose not to return for follow-up, your body may take some time to readjust and return to its natural cycle. This could mean that your cycles may remain irregular for a while, or they may gradually normalize over time.
As for how long it might take for your cycle to return to its previous pattern, this can vary widely among individuals. Some may find their cycles normalize within a few months, while others may take longer. If you are concerned about the length of time it takes for your cycle to normalize or if you experience significant irregularities, it would be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, it is not unusual for your period to be delayed and for the flow to be lighter after stopping hormonal medications. If you decide not to continue with the medication, be aware that your body may take some time to adjust, and it is perfectly fine to monitor your cycles. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

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