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What Are the Causes of Polymenorrhea While Taking Oral Contraceptives?

Unlike amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation, polymenorrhea is the frequency of menstruation. As a method of treatment, women suffering from irregular periods are often prescribed oral contraceptives for regulation of the menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, as with many synthetic drugs, synthetic or replacement hormones can produce side effects such as polymenorrhea.

  1. Description

    • Polymenorrhea is the frequency of menstruation within a 21-day cycle.

      According to Health Line, approximately 50 percent of polymenorrhea cases occur in women over 45 years of age, and about 20 percent occur in women under age 20. Polymenorrhea, also known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding—or DUB—is diagnosed when a justifiable cause has not been determined, thereby labeling frequent bleeding as a general uterine dysfunction. A woman suffering from polymenorrhea has multiple periods within a 21-day cycle as opposed to one period every 28 days. Women with DUB also fail to ovulate during their monthly cycle, thereby making conception difficult though not impossible.

    Causes of DUB

    • According to MedicineNet, polymenorrhea is typically caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such aschlamydia, gonnorrhea or pelvic inflammatory disease, but it is also asymptomatic of endometriosis, fibroid tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, lupus and other ailments. Sometimes the cause is non-specified.

    Oral Contraceptive-Related Causes

    • When polymenorrhea occurs as a result of taking an oral contraceptive it is considered DUB. Intermittent spotting during oral contraceptive intake is not unusual. However, should bleeding become persistently heavy, gynecological consultation is recommended, as progesterone (hormone) levels may be too high.

    Treatment

    • Common treatment for DUB involves oral contraception to counterbalance estrogen with progesterone. In more complex situations, a D & C (dilation and curettage) is recommended. In more severe cases, removal of the uterine lining (endometrial ablation) may be required to avoid a hysterectomy. For oral contraceptive-related DUB, modification in hormonal dosage is typical.

    Caution

    • Heavy and persistent bleeding can lead to anemia. Consult your gynecologist should such occur. Also, incorporate the daily recommended allowance of iron into your diet while taking an oral contraceptive. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 should take 18 mg of iron daily.

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