Help understanding withdrawal bleeding from medroxyprogesterone (Provera)

[u/Prestigious-Raise80]

Hi, this is my time here I am F19 and as of now I’m not formally diagnosed with pcos but my OB suspects it.

My period was weird for years and then this past summer seemed to even out until in august I just started bleeding and wouldn’t stop. It was light and nothing crazy.

Recently my OB had me do a 14 day course of Provera and I’m pretty sure I started the withdrawal bleeding Monday. It was moderate and then Tuesday and today (Wednesday), was heavy. I wasn’t given any real guidance on what to expect and this is a lot heavier than I am used to. It’s not helping that I am an overthinker and freaking myself out with how much I’m bleeding. I feel normal; no lightheadedness, dizziness, faintness, or anything besides minor cramping and just tiredness (afternoon naps with the heat pad have been heaven). I’m eating well and drinking fluids. It’s just how much blood is coming out and the fact I have to change my pad every 2-4 hours that is causing me concern and making me anxious as hell.

I just want to know what others experienced and how long I can expect this heavy bleeding to go on for. Also if anyone has recommendations for products that helped them that would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[u/NoRush5642]

i had to take provera for a bit in my 20s and the first withdrawal bleed scared me bad. it was like my body was making up for all the periods it missed in one go

changing every 2-3 hours during the heavy days was normal for me, lasted maybe 3 or 4 days then tapered off. if you soak through a pad in under an hour for few hours straight that's when you call the doctor

the anxiety makes everything worse i know. you're doing the right stuff with fluids and food and resting. hang in there it will pass

[u/Character_Rent5345]

I’ve had to take provera so many times unfortunately. I typically get a 10 day course and don’t start bleeding 8-12 days after the last pill. The first time I took provera was awful I had not had a period in over 80 days and I had decidual cast (where the lining comes out in one piece) it was so intense and so painful I almost called an ambulance because I was alone and so scared (now that I’ve had kids it definitely was similar to being in labor) Lots of bleeding prior and after. Midol and a heating pad are my go to. I’ve been told if your bleeding through 1 large pad every hr for 2 consecutive hrs to go to the er.