How to manage irregular periods in a patient who has had a copper coil for many years?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had the copper coil for around three to four years. Everything related to my periods has remained the same, however, over the last seven months things have become irregular. One month I get a normal period, every now and then the cycle is longer than normal and I have spotting. The turn of things began last year when my period shifted forward by two weeks and then the following month I bled for 14 days. Now it has returned to normal. I had an ultrasound of my ovaries in which everything looked normal and my smear is due after five months.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

It is better to avoid a single contraceptive for years and try to change if you feel that you are getting side effects more than benefits.
There are other choices of contraceptives like implants, IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) Mirena, oral contraceptive pills, mini pills, etc.
You might have unscheduled bleeding or spotting as side effects of long-term use of similar contraceptives as well.
Have a cervical smear as well as to check for any cervical pathology complete blood count and thyroid function tests are also needed.
It is better to have a local hysteroscopic examination by a gynecologist to exclude any other causes of irregular bleeding.
Try to replace the copper IUD with other contraceptives that are convenient for you.
Have tablet Norethisterone 10 mg twice daily from day four to day 24 for three months to have regular cycles.
Start iron supplements immediately and have food rich in iron like apples, carrots, etc.
Follow the results of investigations as I advised above and discuss them here or with a local gynecologist.
Have complete treatment of any health issue you have.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.