Oral A Acid: Menstrual Irregularities and Concerns

Oral isotretinoin issues?

Is it normal to experience brown discharge followed by some bright red blood for about three days after taking oral isotretinoin (10 mg) and Adapalene (one tablet each in the morning and evening) for a month and a half, especially one week before my period? My menstrual cycle has always been very regular, but now it is already two days late.
Is this normal? I read online that irregular periods refer to delayed menstruation.
How long is considered normal for a delay?

Chen Jiejie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/31

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

You should consult your attending physician about this issue, as they are the most familiar with your condition and medication.

Reply Date: 2018/08/31

More Info

When it comes to the use of oral isotretinoin (commonly referred to as A acid) for treating acne, many patients have concerns regarding its side effects, particularly with respect to menstrual irregularities. Your experience of having a change in your menstrual cycle after starting isotretinoin is not uncommon, and it raises important questions about the relationship between this medication and menstrual health.

Isotretinoin is a powerful retinoid that is primarily used to treat severe acne, especially cases that have not responded to other treatments. While it is effective, it is also associated with a range of side effects, including those affecting the menstrual cycle. Some women may experience changes in their menstrual patterns, such as irregular periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even missed periods. This can be attributed to the hormonal changes that isotretinoin can induce in the body.

In your case, experiencing brown discharge followed by fresh blood and then a shorter menstrual period could be a result of the hormonal fluctuations caused by isotretinoin. It is also important to note that stress, changes in weight, and other factors can contribute to menstrual irregularities. If your periods have been consistently regular prior to starting the medication, the changes you are observing could indeed be linked to isotretinoin.

Regarding your question about what constitutes a "normal" delay in menstruation, it is generally accepted that a menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days. A delay of a few days may not be concerning, but if your period is significantly late (more than a week) or if you experience other symptoms such as severe pain or unusual discharge, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the changes are related to isotretinoin or if there may be other underlying issues.

It is also crucial to consider the potential for isotretinoin to affect pregnancy. Women of childbearing age are advised to use effective contraception while on isotretinoin due to the high risk of teratogenic effects (birth defects) if pregnancy occurs during treatment. Therefore, if there is any possibility of pregnancy, it is essential to take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor immediately.

In summary, while changes in your menstrual cycle after starting isotretinoin can be concerning, they are not uncommon. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that both your acne treatment and menstrual health are managed effectively. If you have any further questions or if your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to reach out for medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Menstruation and Oral Health Issues After Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, I recently gave birth nine and a half months ago. I stopped breastfeeding about two months ago. Around three months postpartum, I had a tooth extraction, and since then, I have been experiencing discomfort in my oral cavity. I have a burning pain and swelling in the...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Lin: 1. You are concerned about whether you might experience early menopause. I believe that your current test results are normal and show no abnormalities, so it is unlikely. 2. As for whether your body is lacking anything, it should not be the case; at least that i...

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I started taking oral contraceptives for menstrual regulation in August of last year, and my menstrual cycle was stable until March of this year when I began experiencing abnormalities. Initially, I had a Pap smear that indicated vaginal inflammation, which has been...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause irregular bleeding include age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infecti...

Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Causes and Treatments

Hello doctor, I have been taking clomiphene for six months to regulate my menstrual cycle, and my periods have become normal. However, I occasionally experience ovulatory bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding. The doctor has prescribed Tranexamic acid 250mg and Ergometrine 0.2mg to...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cerv...

Understanding Irregular Menstruation: Causes and Solutions for Women

Hello! Since my second year of graduate school, I've noticed that my menstrual cycle has become increasingly irregular. The delays have been getting longer, and recently, my period has been over a month late. My cycles were quite regular since menarche, almost once a month. ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the regularity of menstrual periods can be influenced by various factors such as physiological and psychological stress, lifestyle, emotions, diet, and age. If you feel that stress is a contributing factor, it is advisable to seek ways to alleviate it. The coloration of th...