Is It Normal to Stop Menstruating While on Methadone?
Question by Katherine: Is it normal to stop menstruating while on methadone?
I have been doing the methadone program for a little over two months now (got my first carry today, yay!) I’m recovering from oxycontin and dilaudid addiction. Anyways, I haven’t had a period since the first week of august and it is now mid october. I am slightly underweight, but always have been for most parts of my life. (I looked up my bmi today just to figure shit out and its 17.9) I had been overeating at the beginning of the year and gained twenty pounds, and when I started eating normal I lost more weight than I wanted to and can’t gain any back now for some reason. But I’ve never had a problem menstruating at this weight, its been the same mostly for the last five years, as it is quite natural for my frame and genetics. So I’m wondering, is it the methadone or the sudden weight loss? And when should I be expecting it to come back? Will it come back when my body gets used to the methadone for longer or gets used to being my usual weight again? If I could get a doctor, nurse or someone who’s experienced this to give a detailed answer of what I should expect that’d be great.
Best answer:
Answer by Sandra
Irregular menstruation seems to be a side effect in some people. Rapid weight loss also contributes to menstrual irregularity. The combination is probably what is doing it.
You may find that your period returns after you have been in the program for a longer time. That is the conclusion of an article I found (the second one below):
“FINDINGS: In the 133 women for whom menstrual patterns could be determined, cycle-length irregularity was common: irregular, 62 (46.7%); regular, 37 (27.8%); cycle restart, 16 (12%); persistent amenorrhea, 11 (8.3%); transient amenorrhea, seven (5.3%). Each additional week on methadone maintenance was associated with decreased risk of long (OR = 0.96, P < 0.01 and short (OR = 0.92, P < 0.01) cycles. Of 27 women with secondary amenorrhea pre-study, 16 (59%) restarted menses. Positivity for opioids or cocaine was not significantly associated with short or long cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Cycle length begins to normalize during methadone maintenance. Menses resumption may occur. Methadone maintenance, despite interfering with menstrual function in an absolute sense, may interfere less than illicit heroin abuse." You should be able to find out more from the doctors in your program.
What do you think? Answer below!
6/8 Opinions on cocaine and heroin use – Steve, 39, is the Director of a charity. He has used has used different drugs recreationally over a 20 year period. He shares his experiences and opinions on…
More Cocaine Abuse Information…