Irregular menses after giving birth
Dear Dr Mitchell,
I am 25 years old. For the past few months I haven’t seen my period. I gave birth to my son six months ago. My period came back and from February until now I haven’t seen my period. My weight is 189 lb and my height is 5ft 2″. I am desperately in need of your advice as to what may be the cause of this and how best I can solve my problem.
Congratulations on the birth of your son. It is not unusual for the menstrual period to be irregular after delivering a baby. Mothers who breastfeed tend not to ovulate especially when breastfeeding is done without formula (exclusive breast feeding)
This usually causes the menstrual period to be irregular and in some extreme cases to be absent for up to a year. Some women rely on this for contraception but it is not safe as 50 per cent of women will ovulate and become pregnant despite breastfeeding regularly even if there is no menstrual flow.
Some mothers will get a menstrual period four to six weeks after delivery. This period is usually not of the normal duration or pattern. The subsequent menstrual period will tend to be delayed and unpredictable.
The first step, if you’re sexually active, is to do a pregnancy test so that pregnancy may be ruled out and you can go on a reliable contraceptive.
You are definitely overweight at 189 lb with a height of 5 feet 2 inches. You should not weigh more than 140 lb at this height. I imagine that you gained a lot of weight during the pregnancy; you should cut back on the consumption of refined sugars such as sodas, ice-cream, chocolate, cakes and fast foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and brown bread or whole wheat instead of white bread. Avoid fried foods and fatty foods.
It is important for you to start some form of exercise programme to speed up your metabolism and burn some calories so you can lose the weight. Walking is good practice, especially brisk walking at least three to four times weekly.
The use of a non-hormonal contraception is preferred so that you will not gain any extra weight. Regular condom usage or the use of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) are options that you should discuss with your doctor. The IUCD will give you long-term contraception and allow you time to appropriately plan your pregnancies while losing weight. Weight loss will also help to establish ovulatory cycles and get you back on track.
Breastfeeding is also a good practice and helps you to burn some extra calories so that you can return to your pre-pregnancy state.
Consult you doctor who will advise you further.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver. com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
