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Last Reply:

Includes Expert Content

Depo/cramps question!

valligirl88 posted:

Hi!
I have been off the depo for a year and a half and still have not gotten my period..doctor said it's normal but if I don't get it by July then it's a probelm...now I'm having bad cramps(below my belly button)..are these menstral cramps? should I go to the doctor?? I don't know what do to..

1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Depo/cramps question!Hi! I have been off the depo for a year and a half and still have not gotten my period..doctor said it's normal but if I don't get it by July then it's a probelm...now I'm having bad cramps(below my belly button)..are these menstral cramps? should I go to the doctor?? I don't know what do to..

Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:

Dear valligirl: The 18 month interval represents the longest demonstrated time that the metabolites of DepoProvera can be found in the body. After 18 months of no flow in a former Depo user, the search must be widened for other culprits that cause missed periods (eg missed ovulations, low thyroid, pituitary problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature menopause, ovarian cysts).

If you are having persisting and/or escalating abdominal pain, that does need to be checked out. It might be from a GYN source (eg ovarian cyst or even menstrual cramps) or it could be from the bladder or bowel. Given that you are so close to the 18 month cut off I would suggest you see your GYN or clinic first. They can do an abdominal exam as well as checking for GYN causes of your pain.

Yours,
Jane

Report This| Share this:Depo/cramps question!Dear valligirl: The 18 month interval represents the longest demonstrated time that the metabolites of DepoProvera can be found in the body. After 18 months of no flow in a former Depo user, the search must be widened for other culprits that cause missed periods (eg missed ovulations, low thyroid, pituitary problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature menopause, ovarian cysts). If you are having persisting and/or escalating abdominal pain, that does need to be checked out. It might be from a GYN source (eg ovarian cyst or even menstrual cramps) or it could be from the bladder or bowel. Given that you are so close to the 18 month cut off I would suggest you see your GYN or clinic first. They can do an abdominal exam as well as checking for GYN causes of your pain. Yours, Jane

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