first time poster with a female question

I guess maybe I can be considered a graduate.  Thought I'd get more insight on this issue here than on the RNY board (no disrespect to those on that board that have been my rock for the past 13 months, of course!) Now for the female question.....I've had absolutely no trouble with my cycle.  I've been completely normal before, during, and since my RNY and weight loss.  Now, I'm bleeding in the middle of my cycle for no apparent reason.  I called the gyne and they were of zero help, saying they have no openings until April and to go to the ER if the bleeding is worse than 1 pad per hour.  It's not quite THAT bad, but that does not mean I'm not freakin' out a little.  It seems to me that if weight loss were going to throw my cycle off, it would have happened in those first months when I was dropping it like it's hot, rather than when I've slowed down to a trickle.  The nurse I talked to said it's not out of the question that my irregular bleeding could be attributed to the weight loss.  I'm having a little pelvic pain, but I think it's all in my brain (power of suggestion.)  I had my tubes tied 6 years ago...no way I could be pregnant.  Or maybe I've arrived at the age when things are going to start going goofy.  (I'm 37.) Geez, I don't have time for this nonsense! Has anyone experienced anything similar? Thanks for your input!

Hi!  Congrats on your success thus far.   What I know for sure: -fat cells store estrogen and because we are shrinking ours up, estrogen gets released.  That can happen anytime in the process of weight loss, but as you state, it should be tapering off and regulating by now rather than starting up.  BUT, it could be just that. -This is important to get in for this as you are at risk for iron deficiency due to the surgery as it is, and longer bleeding will only exasterbate that potential problem. -Go to your primary doctor is possible AT LEAST to get the labs drawn for iron and others, but possibly they could help you where your GYN is too booked. -Don't panic!  You might be going through the change.  I don't know how old you are though, but my mother's cycle was always right on and she is in that perimenopause stage and now she's all out of what.

Mid-cycle spotting can be called "breakthrough" bleeding.  It occurs when the hormone levels switch.  I had this issue years ago and consulted my gyn since it had happened more than one cycle.  She did an endometrial biopsy to be sure nothing was going on there and it wasn't.   Aways good to get it checked out.  You should be able to get into your gyn's office or get a new one if they don't think it is important to make sure it is nothing. Kathy

GO TO ER, asap! This happened to me about 6 month before surgery, I was late then a few days later My mense came, it stopped or so I thought it did and continued to flow with a force, I had big clot coming out I could not keep dry. I made an appointment,  it was weeks away, so called aother offices for appointment, no such luck if you are not a pt they will give u an appointment months away. Anyhoo, I had a vaginal ultrasound, found out I had fibros however, this was not causing the bleeding, they gave me premarin every 6 hrs and it stopped the bleeding with 3 days, I had a hormonal in-balance. I was sent to ER for pregnancy test and to make sure that I did not need a blood transfusion.  to treat the hormonal issue they gave me a low-grade birth control, I have not had that issue since. Good Luck!  -Maryama

You need to call the gyno back and explain that you are not comfortable waiting, that you are extremely concerned. ER is for life limb or eyesight in emminent danger, shame on them for sending you to ER!!!  You are an extablished patient with a vaild concern, and you need to tell them that you expect to be seen by the end of the week, or your going to find a new provider and report them to the insurance and the medical board.  Routine check ups are okay to schedule months out NOT acute problems. If you had a yeast infection would they wait til April, or if you have burning or smelly discharge would they wait til April, if you had a itchy oozing rash would they wait til April? If you are that concerned you can call all around and tell other offices what is happening and that your Dr will not see you, and your looking for a new primary obgyn.  You may get lucky. But I would not just take April and walk away.

I vote with the last poster--waiting four months is not acceptable.  Get another doctor and let the current one know exactly why you are leaving.  Even if it is "nothing," such problems cannot be diagnosed via the telephone.  You (and your insurance carrier) is paying for the doctor's expertise, not yours to self diagnose.   Weight loss can play havoc with your hormones and impact your cycle.  And even make you more fertile.  But knowing that is true in general does not make it so in your specific case. Good luck, Sally

I think whenever we have a medical problem,those of us with gastric bypass surgery first wonder if the problem is the result of our surgery or weight loss.  This is totally natural.  But perhaps you are just having problems with your cycle due to your age.  It is very common for women in their late thirties to have hormonal irregularities or benign uterine fibroids.  If this is the first cycle you've had breakthrough bleeding, I wouldn't think it is a medical emergency.  I think this is why your gynecologist's office is treating this so cavalierly, they see this sort of thing all the time.  The crucial question here is the amout of bleeding you are having.  If it is very heavy, the over one pad an hour amount, then you need to seek treatment ASAP.  But, as others have posted, your gynecologist needs to be more sensitive to your concerns, and should be able to see you before April.  Also, because of our problems with iron absorption and anemia, your doctor, either your gynecologist or PCP needs to closely monitor your hemoglobin levels, to be sure you aren't developing any anemia issues. Prior to my WLS surgery, I had terrible problems with menstual irregularities and heavy bleeding.  After several years, I did have a hysterctomy.  Today there are better, less invasive treatments for uterine bleeding. Best of luck to you with this problem. Debra M.

I've had my share of obgyn problems.  Before surgery I had to have several painful office procedures and also a DNC with dye down the tubes that resulted in them finding  fibroid tumors and endometriosis. They scraped out  the endometrosis during the DNC, the tumors are too high up in my tube for them to remove, so they left them in hoping they would move or dissappate on their own.  .  Since my gastric bypass last Oct. I have not had a period.   I was told probably due to the rapid weight loss, since my pap in Sept of last year was normal.  I keep thinking that maybe my age could have something to do with it also since I"m approaching the 50 mark, I may be going into menopause.  I think as long as you get your paps and they are normal unless you start serious bleeding, like they told you 1 pad an hour, don't get overly upset.  Just make sure you keep a record of  everything so you can give it to your Dr. when you see him/her.