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What Causes Light Bleeding And Headaches After Taking Levonorgestrel?

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015

Question: I took levonorgestrel on 02 nd August and from 8th August am having very light bleeding.is this my menstrual bleeding or bleeding due to the drug?...I'm also having complaints of severe headaches,backaches and nausea!

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
this is a withdrawal bleed due to drug

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to hcm,
This is a withdrawal bleed following levonorgestrel intake and this happens within 7 days of the last pill intake. The reason is typical progesterone withdrawal and it causes the bleed and shedding of endometrium.
When was your last menstrual period and why did you happen to take levonorgestrel?
The headache , nausea and backache is due to the withdrawal bleed and mimic premenstrual syndrome. You may use hot fomentation or NSAIDS for pain relief.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (48 minutes later)

My last menstrual bleed was on 22nd July.
Then this is not my menstraution?..when can I expect my next menstrual bleed??

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
This is not your menstruation for sure and its a withdrawal bleed secondary to levonorgestrel.
The next menses shall depend on the number of days you bleed now, if its 2-3 days as in your regular menses then your next menses should be around 7th september if your cycles are 30 days.
regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar