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Seeking help for heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain after stopping Depo-Provera
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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #28463
145 days ago
317

Seeking help for heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain after stopping Depo-Provera

Client_06bb42

Hello, I am seeking medical advice regarding ongoing heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pelvic pain. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids in 2023 after experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and significant pelvic pain. I was placed on the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera), which helped manage my symptoms. I discontinued the injection in July 2025 after an ultrasound indicated that fibroids were no longer visible. I also stopped due to concerns about bone health, as I have avascular necrosis (AVN). Since stopping Depo-Provera, the same symptoms I experienced prior to starting it have returned and persisted. I currently experience: Very heavy menstrual bleeding Severe menstrual pain that sometimes causes me to curl up and require medication Persistent lower abdominal, pelvic, and vaginal/groin pain, even outside of my menstrual cycle Fatigue, especially after heavy blood loss Frequent headaches Mood changes, irritability, and increased stress These symptoms have been significantly affecting my daily life. Additional medical history: Sickle cell disease One child delivered via C-section in 2019 Tubal ligation performed after delivery I would appreciate your assessment of my symptoms and guidance on appropriate next steps for evaluation and management. Thank you.

How long have you been experiencing the return of these symptoms since stopping the injection?:

- Less than 1 month

What medications are you currently taking for pain management?:

- Prescription pain medications

Have you noticed any specific triggers that worsen your symptoms?:

- Stress
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Doctors' responses

Hello, thank you for reaching out and sharing your detailed history. I am Dr. Nikhil Chauhan here to help you.

I can understand how distressing this must be, especially after having a period of relief. Given your complex medical history (Sickle Cell Disease and AVN), managing these symptoms requires a very careful and specific approach.

Here is a breakdown of your situation and the recommended next steps:

Why This Needs Immediate Attention

· High-Risk Combination: Sickle cell disease + severe pelvic pain + heavy bleeding is a serious combination. Pain can sometimes be a sign of a sickling crisis triggered by the stress on your body.

· Symptom Severity: The pain is severe enough to require prescription medication, and the bleeding is causing fatigue. This indicates a significant impact on your quality of life and physical health.

· The Depo-Provera Factor: While it managed your symptoms, stopping it was the right call for your bone health (AVN). However, the rapid return of symptoms suggests the underlying issue (likely fibroids or related conditions) may still be active.

Likely Reasons for Your Symptoms

1. Return of Fibroids: The ultrasound in July 2025 showed no visible fibroids, which can happen with Depo-Provera as it shrinks them. However, once the hormone is withdrawn, they can grow back quickly.

2. Hormonal Rebound: Your body is readjusting to its natural cycle after being suppressed by the injection. For some, this rebound can be intense.

3. Adenomyosis: This is a condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing severe pain and heavy bleeding. It is common in women with a history of C-sections and is often mistaken for or coexists with fibroids.

Your Action Plan: Next Steps for Evaluation and Management

1. Immediate Medical Consultation (This Week): You need to see two specialists:

· Gynecologist: To reassess your pelvic health now that you are off hormones. · Hematologist: To manage your sickle cell disease in the context of this pain and blood loss.

2. Key Questions for Your Gynecologist:

· Request a pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal, if possible) to check for the recurrence of fibroids or signs of adenomyosis. · Discuss non-hormonal options for managing bleeding and pain, as hormonal treatments may be limited due to your AVN history. · Ask about Tranexamic acid (a medication to reduce heavy bleeding, taken only during periods) or NSAIDs (if safe with your sickle cell and kidney function, as managed by your hematologist).

3. Important Self-Management Tips:

· Iron & Hydration: The heavy bleeding can cause anemia (low iron), which worsens fatigue. Focus on iron-rich foods (spinach, beans, meat) and drink plenty of water to help prevent sickling crises. · Pain Diary: Note when the pain happens, how bad it is (on a scale of 1-10), and what triggers it. This is very useful for your doctor. · Stress Management: You mentioned stress worsens symptoms. Even 5-10 minutes of deep breathing or listening to calming music can help lower the physical stress response.

To help guide you further, could you tell me:

· When was your last ultrasound (the one in July 2025)? A lot can change in a few months. · Are you under the regular care of a hematologist for your sickle cell disease?

Please prioritize seeing your gynecologist and hematologist together. This is a complex situation, but with the right team, it can be managed.

Wishing you strength and relief.

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

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Client_06bb42
Client
144 days ago

Thank you for your thorough response Doc! The ultrasound was actually May of last year and I stopped taking the Depo in July after that.

I follow up with my Sickle Cell Unit here in Jamaica.

The recurrence of your symptoms after stopping Depo-Provera is concerning, especially given your history of uterine fibroids and the additional complexity introduced by AVN and sickle cell disease. First, with the return of heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pelvic pain, reconsider evaluating your fibroid status through an updated imaging study, like an ultrasound or MRI, as fibroids can sometimes reappear. It’s crucial to differentiate if fibroids are causing your symptoms again or if there’s another underlying condition. Treatment options depend heavily on precise diagnosis, and any change in fibroid status could guide subsequent steps. Additionally, since heavy bleeding and pain are impacting your daily life, especially considering fatigue and increased stress, consulting with a gynecologist is important—they may recommend hormonal therapies different than Depo-Provera that don’t affect bone health, or other interventions depending on your imaging results. Non-hormonal options could include tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding or NSAIDs to manage pain, though these might not address the root cause if fibroids are the culprit. Considering your avascular necrosis, treatment plans with minimal impact on bone health need prioritizing.

Addressing fatigue and headaches could relate to anemia from heavy bleeding, and a complete blood count can help assess for anemia which may worsen sickle cell symptoms. Supplementation with iron might be necessary if anemia is present, but only under medical advice given your complex health background. For mood changes and stress, seeking support through counseling or therapy may also benefit—often stress exacerbates physical symptoms.

Equally, the persistent non-menstrual pelvic pain could stem from conditions other than fibroids, potentially needing evaluation by additional specialists, such as a gastroenterologist or urologist, if gynecological issues are excluded. Overall, immediate steps include scheduling visits with both a gynecologist and your primary care physician to align on both the immediate symptom relief and long-term management, considering your complex medical history. Ensuring thorough coordination among your healthcare team can help effectively manage these intertwined issues, so do prioritize these evaluations without delays.

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Client_06bb42
Client
143 days ago

Thank you!

Hello,

Your symptoms are very concerning and need proper evaluation.

The return of heavy bleeding and severe pelvic pain after stopping Depo-Provera suggests that the underlying cause may still be present, even if it was not visible on the last scan.

Conditions like uterine fibroids can sometimes be missed if small, and other possibilities such as adenomyosis or endometriosis can also cause the same pattern of severe pain and heavy bleeding, especially with pain even outside periods.

Your fatigue and headaches may be due to anemia from ongoing blood loss, which is important to check, particularly since you also have sickle cell disease, as this can worsen complications and overall health if hemoglobin drops.

At this stage, you should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible.

🛑You will likely need a repeat pelvic ultrasound (preferably transvaginal) and blood tests including hemoglobin and iron levels. Depending on findings, further imaging or evaluation may be required.

Management will depend on the cause, but options may include hormonal therapy (not necessarily the same injection), medications to reduce bleeding, or other targeted treatments. Since you have a history of avascular necrosis, any hormonal or long-term medication choice should be carefully selected by your doctor.

If your bleeding becomes extremely heavy (soaking pads every hour, dizziness, or weakness), you should seek urgent care.

I trust this helps Thank you Take care

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Client_06bb42
Client
144 days ago

Thank you very much. This does help!

Hello dear See as per clinical history following inference can be taken Missed periods Adenomyosis Endometriosis Due to the current medication the fibroids shrink but they again regrow after stopping Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation. Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Cbc Esr Mri Pelvic USG Transbdombal USG Urine analysis Serum ferritin Serum prolactin Serum tsh Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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Client_06bb42
Client
144 days ago

Thank you!

Hello dear Thanks for the kind response You are most welcome

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Your symptoms of very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, ongoing lower abdominal discomfort even outside periods, and fatigue strongly suggest that the underlying problem has likely returned or was not completely resolved, despite the earlier scan showing no visible fibroids. Conditions like Uterine Fibroids can sometimes be missed on imaging if they are small or regrowing, and other conditions such as Adenomyosis or Endometriosis can produce very similar symptoms, especially persistent pain even between cycles. The fact that your symptoms improved on Depo-Provera and returned after stopping it suggests a hormone-responsive condition. Given your history of sickle cell disease and avascular necrosis (AVN), management needs to be carefully individualized, especially when considering hormonal therapy or surgery.

You should seek a gynecological evaluation soon, including a repeat pelvic ultrasound (preferably transvaginal) or MRI, along with blood tests (especially hemoglobin and iron levels) to assess for anemia due to heavy bleeding.Treatment options may include restarting hormonal therapy (possibly alternatives to Depo-Provera), tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding during periods, stronger pain control, or surgical options if a structural cause is confirmed. Because your symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life and include heavy bleeding and fatigue, timely evaluation is important to prevent complications like worsening anemia.

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Client_06bb42
Client
144 days ago

Thank you!

Hello Thank you for sharing your detailed history. Your symptoms—very heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pain, persistent pelvic/groin pain, fatigue, headaches, and mood changes—are significant and deserve careful evaluation, especially given your history of sickle cell disease and previous Depo-Provera use.

### What’s Likely Happening - Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia): This can return after stopping Depo-Provera and is common in many women. It’s often caused by hormonal changes, but can also be linked to underlying conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis, or bleeding disorders. - Severe pain and persistent pelvic symptoms: These may suggest conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Sickle cell disease can also contribute to pain and fatigue. - Fatigue and headaches: Likely related to blood loss (possible anemia) and chronic pain, both of which are common in heavy periods. - Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations, pain, and fatigue can all impact mood and stress levels.

### Next Steps for Evaluation 1. Consult a gynecologist: You need a thorough evaluation, including pelvic exam and ultrasound, to check for fibroids, adenomyosis, or other causes. 2. Blood tests: CBC (to check for anemia), iron studies, and possibly tests for bleeding disorders. 3. Pain and mood assessment: Discuss your pain and mood symptoms with your doctor—sometimes, integrated care with a mental health professional is helpful.

### Management Options - Medical treatments: Hormonal therapies, NSAIDs for pain, and possibly other medications to reduce bleeding and pain. - Addressing anemia: If blood loss is causing anemia, iron supplementation and dietary changes may be needed. - Sickle cell management: Ensure your sickle cell disease is well-controlled, as it can worsen fatigue and pain. - Lifestyle and support: Rest, hydration, and emotional support are important.

### When to Seek Urgent Care - If you experience severe weakness, dizziness, fainting, or cannot manage pain at home, seek medical attention immediately.

Thank you

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Client_06bb42
Client
143 days ago

Thank you!

Your symptoms suggest a recurrence of Uterine Fibroids or another cause of heavy bleeding such as Endometriosis or hormonal imbalance after stopping Depo-Provera.

Given your history of heavy bleeding, pain, Sickle Cell Disease, and AVN, this situation needs careful management because ongoing blood loss can worsen anemia and fatigue.

I strongly recommend urgent review with a Gynecologist for ultrasound, blood tests (hemoglobin, iron), and discussion of treatment options (hormonal therapy, non-hormonal control, or procedural options tailored to your condition).

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