I am hoping someone can assist on the 9th January 2023 I had the methotrexate shot about a week later I started spotting and pretty much since then it’s been on and off bleeding… my HCG level is now 15 and hospital has discharged me but I am still bleeding… it’s like a light period… anyway my question is how do you know the difference between whether it’s a period or whether it’s still the effects of the methotrexate… ?? X
Hey,
I’m sorry for your loss and for the trauma our bodies have to go through to get better.
I have the same thoughts, I bled after my HCG levels were at ‘not pregnant’ levels. I had read on here, and by my doctor, to expect it in the first week or so after and then my actual period would arrive 6/7 weeks later.
My actual period arrived Monday, just short of 5 weeks later. And this period is the first one I’ve logged on Flo as an actual period!
My bleeding slowed and stopped about a week to 10 days after my HCG levels hit 15, I can’t remember the exact date I stopped now but I know it was a few days before holiday so it was probably around 23rd Jan and I’d been bleeding on and off since 6th Nov.
After I stopped bleeding I then experienced ovulation pain and the tiniest spot plus all my usual ovulation symptoms which I hadn’t had since October last year so I did assume that the first bleed was left over trauma and then this bleed since Monday has been my period (which has finished now) and my body has finally reset! My 90 days post MTX is next Monday!
I hope your bleeding stops soon, I know what it’s like to go to the loo hopeful each day and feel a little deflated every time you see blood. Sending love xx
Dear Sara,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,
The initial bleeding we experience following Methotrexate injection is due to the hCG levels reducing. This spotting can go on for several weeks but usually settles.
Your menstrual periods after an ectopic pregnancy can take a while to re-establish.
They can restart any time between four and ten weeks after treatment. Most find that their first period arrives sometime around week six or seven after surgery, or, if treated without surgery, at some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to below 100 mIU/mL. According to a study for women who had methotrexate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube, periods generally return to normal after an average of 24 days (range of 24–38 days) from the pregnancy ending.
I hope this helps,
Sending much love,
Karen x
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