I have had 18 days of continous menstrual bleeding.?

Question

I had two Kenalog shots (anti-inflammatory steroids) in the last month to relieve neck pain. Is there a connection?

Answer 1

Menstrual irregularities may also occur with corticosteroid treatment.

The above is written in the literature about the drug, however I would consider 18 days more than irregularity (I would consider irregularity as a few days late or coming more frequently not prolonging it)

I would contact the doctor and discuss this as the use of steroids such be monitored extremely carefully and anything out the ordinary should be reported. Remember steroids are a hormone and may have severe and odd effects on your normal hormones.

Answer 2

Yes, I learned from my doctor that there can be some bleeding when it comes to steroids like Kenalog. Sometimes this can occur if the medication is not given on schedule as well.

When I had an issue with some breakthrough bleeding (this is bleeding that goes on beyond the normal days of a menstrual cycle of 3-7 days) one of the questions my gynecologist asked me was one of the medications I was being given by one of my other doctors (My Pain Management doctor) a steroid. I told her no and asked her to explain to me why she asked that. That's when she mentioned that sometimes when one doesn't have the medication on schedule (it can also occur when trying to adjust to medication too) there can be breakthrough bleeding.