Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Absence Of Periods After Discontinuing Smoking Indicate?
Question: I have always had regular and normal periods until a little over 2 months ago when I quit smoking. after quiting I didn't have a period for 2 months, now I have been bleeding heavy for bout 9 days. I don't have insurance and can't afford to go to doc is this something that I should be overly concerned about or something that can wait? thanks
Brief Answer:
Hormonal disbalance.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
Congratulations on the success of quitting smoking.
What has happened is that your hormonal levels have gone in disbalance and it is quite normal and common that when woman do not have periods for some months will compensate the next months with bleeding. In general it will stop by itself in about 15 days. In fact you may have noticed that the intensity is going down.
If is recommended to not do extensive exercising, to eat healthy and normal calorie intake, and to try to manage stress well, because not doing these may be the cause of irregular periods.
If the bleeding has not stopped in 15 days then it will be the time to consider doing an gyencological ultrasound. If you haven't done one in more then one year, you will need to rule out the possibility of a fibromyoma in the uterus which is a frequent cause of these problems. You will find out then that quiting smoking is not the cause of the irregular bleeding. But I think this is more rare possibility than that of the bleeding stopping itself and for you to have normal regular periods in the months to come.
You should consider taking some Iron supplements for 2-3 months to avoid being anemic.
If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Hormonal disbalance.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
Congratulations on the success of quitting smoking.
What has happened is that your hormonal levels have gone in disbalance and it is quite normal and common that when woman do not have periods for some months will compensate the next months with bleeding. In general it will stop by itself in about 15 days. In fact you may have noticed that the intensity is going down.
If is recommended to not do extensive exercising, to eat healthy and normal calorie intake, and to try to manage stress well, because not doing these may be the cause of irregular periods.
If the bleeding has not stopped in 15 days then it will be the time to consider doing an gyencological ultrasound. If you haven't done one in more then one year, you will need to rule out the possibility of a fibromyoma in the uterus which is a frequent cause of these problems. You will find out then that quiting smoking is not the cause of the irregular bleeding. But I think this is more rare possibility than that of the bleeding stopping itself and for you to have normal regular periods in the months to come.
You should consider taking some Iron supplements for 2-3 months to avoid being anemic.
If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I forgot to add that I had been passing blood clots bigger than quarter size for bout a week with no pain. is this also nothing to worry bout at this time? thanks
Brief Answer:
Clots are not a problem but increasing of the intensity if the bleeding is.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
The clots bigger then normal are due to the fact that you didn't have your period for 2 months. That means that the endometrium, which didn't get dis-attached last month, this time was thicker which would produce thicker clots as a result.
As I said in my previous answer, the indication that you would notice is if the bleeding is starting to get lower in intensity, because it should not stay the same and not increase. This would be a red flag to go and see a local physician.
Lack of pain does not indicate anything.
Hope I have clarified and answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Clots are not a problem but increasing of the intensity if the bleeding is.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
The clots bigger then normal are due to the fact that you didn't have your period for 2 months. That means that the endometrium, which didn't get dis-attached last month, this time was thicker which would produce thicker clots as a result.
As I said in my previous answer, the indication that you would notice is if the bleeding is starting to get lower in intensity, because it should not stay the same and not increase. This would be a red flag to go and see a local physician.
Lack of pain does not indicate anything.
Hope I have clarified and answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
