HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Delayed And Scanty Periods After Taking Metformin?

default
Posted on Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Question: I have pcos. I take metformin. my projected period was supposed to start may 24-26 but never came. I had pink spotting may 18-20 then stopped. usually I spot a few days then my period starts. I think I ovulated may 9-11. I've been having bright red spotting since Saturday. Today its still spotting a little heavier but less than my normal period. Since been on metformin I've had predictable periods (started met in october). What could possibly be happening?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhagyashree.B (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
check for pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Dear member,
Thanks for writing.
The pcos is known to cause irregular period where ovulation doesn't occur.
These cycles can have irregular intermittent bleeding , spotting.
As you mentioned since being on metformin your cycles are regular.
In pregnancy too spotting or less than average bleeding might be noted.
A simple urine test will help.
Sometimes if the pcos recurs then the cycles can become irregular again.
I would recommend the following.
Do a pregnancy test. If negative wait for few days for spotting to settle. If still irregular bleeding continues then you may need tablet meprate for 10-15 days To control the bleeding.
Please write back with any questions.
Thanks
Dr Bhagyashree

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bhagyashree.B (18 minutes later)
ok thank you dr. I will follow your suggestions.

I'd like to add usually I take metformin a week before predicted ovulation week. Then my period usually comes about 2 weeks later from ovulation week. This time that didn't happen. I was also sexually active on may 10 and again a week later.
I've read that pcos patients can have a false negative on home pregnancy tests. What are my options?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhagyashree.B (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
do two pregnancy tests with a gap of one week

Detailed Answer:
Dear member,
Thanks for writing.
The ovulation week though predictable in women with regular cycles but not so in pcos. This will cause difficulty in timing pregnancy test. Thus sometime the pregnancy test is negative on one occasion but positive later.
The home pregnancy kits are sensitive enough to diagnose pregnancy.
Please repeat if negative after a week.
Thanks
Dr Bhagyashree
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bhagyashree.B (10 minutes later)
ok that calms me a bit. Thank you Dr.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhagyashree.B (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
welcome

Detailed Answer:
Dear member,
Thanks for feedback.
If the reply was helpful you can close the discussion.
Please post any further queries to Dr Bhagyashree baliga as direct query.
will be glad to be of help any time.
Thanks
Dr Bhagyashree
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bhagyashree.B

OBGYN

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 788 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Delayed And Scanty Periods After Taking Metformin?

Brief Answer: check for pregnancy Detailed Answer: Dear member, Thanks for writing. The pcos is known to cause irregular period where ovulation doesn't occur. These cycles can have irregular intermittent bleeding , spotting. As you mentioned since being on metformin your cycles are regular. In pregnancy too spotting or less than average bleeding might be noted. A simple urine test will help. Sometimes if the pcos recurs then the cycles can become irregular again. I would recommend the following. Do a pregnancy test. If negative wait for few days for spotting to settle. If still irregular bleeding continues then you may need tablet meprate for 10-15 days To control the bleeding. Please write back with any questions. Thanks Dr Bhagyashree