Post-Surgery Abnormal Bleeding: Is Anesthesia Affecting Your Menstrual Cycle?

Abnormal bleeding after a routine surgery?

I would like to ask if anesthesia used during surgery can cause irregular menstruation.
I had surgery on March 17 for the removal of metal plates from my foot, and I was given general anesthesia.
After that, I had my period on April 5, and then I experienced another period around the 20th.
I thought it was normal to have two periods in one month.
However, yesterday, on May 2, I went to the hospital for wound suturing because my previous wound had reopened, and I underwent general anesthesia again.
Today, it seems that my period has started again, with dark brown blood, similar to the feeling of my second period last time.
I would like to know what the issue might be and if it is related to the anesthesia.

Ms. J, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I would like to ask if the anesthesia used during surgery can cause irregular menstruation.
I had surgery on March 17 to remove a metal plate from my foot, and the doctor administered general anesthesia.
After that, I had my period on April 5, and then I experienced another period around the 20th.
I thought it was normal to have two periods in one month.
However, yesterday, on May 2, I went back to the hospital for wound suturing because my previous wound had reopened, and the doctor performed general anesthesia again.
Today, it seems like I have my period again, and the blood is dark brown, similar to the feeling I had during my second period.
I would like to know what the issue might be.
Could it be related to the anesthesia? Answer: During this period, have you had any sexual intercourse? If not, it is likely related to the anesthesia.

Reply Date: 2017/05/03

More Info

The concern regarding the impact of anesthesia on menstrual cycles is a common one, especially among women who have recently undergone surgery. While it is understandable to link changes in menstrual patterns to anesthesia, the relationship is not straightforward and can be influenced by several factors.

Firstly, it is important to note that general anesthesia itself is not typically known to directly cause menstrual irregularities. Anesthesia works by inducing a temporary state of unconsciousness and blocking pain during surgery, but it does not have a lasting effect on the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle. However, the stress of undergoing surgery, changes in physical activity, and alterations in routine can all contribute to temporary changes in menstrual patterns.

In your case, you mentioned that you had surgery on March 17, followed by a menstrual period on April 5, and then experienced another episode of bleeding around April 20. After a second surgery on May 2, you noted another episode of bleeding that appeared different in color and consistency. These changes could be attributed to several factors:
1. Surgical Stress: The body undergoes significant stress during surgery, which can affect hormonal balance. Stress can lead to changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, potentially causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations: The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, and any disruption in these hormones—whether due to stress, changes in weight, or even changes in physical activity post-surgery—can lead to irregular bleeding.

3. Recovery and Healing: After surgery, your body is focused on healing, which can temporarily alter your menstrual cycle. The body may prioritize recovery over regular hormonal cycles, leading to irregular periods.

4. Potential Complications: It is also essential to consider the possibility of complications such as infection or other issues related to the surgical site, which could cause abnormal bleeding. If the bleeding is significantly different from your normal menstrual flow or if it is accompanied by other symptoms (such as pain, fever, or unusual discharge), it would be prudent to consult your healthcare provider.

5. Anesthesia and Medications: While general anesthesia itself is unlikely to cause menstrual irregularities, other medications administered during or after surgery, such as pain relievers or antibiotics, could potentially have side effects that might influence your menstrual cycle.

In conclusion, while it is unlikely that the anesthesia itself is the direct cause of your menstrual irregularities, the combination of surgical stress, hormonal fluctuations, and recovery processes could be contributing factors. If you continue to experience irregular bleeding or have concerns about your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to discuss these issues with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions and provide guidance on managing your menstrual health post-surgery.

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