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This is my story!
My periods are always on time. But this month it is not the case. I had my last period on Aug.21st lasted 4 days as always, about 8 days after my period ended I spotted pink/red for 3 days. That has never happened. (Strange) Anyway so here24th of Sept. and no period as of yet but my breast have been ver tender for about a week now and minor cramping. Keep thinking my period is coming but nothing. What do you think?
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Alison,
Thank you so much for taking the time out and responding to my questions! I will keep you updated.
Ginea
September 24, 2009 - 2:32pmThis Comment
A few questions for you:
1. Are you using any type of hormonal contraception?
2. Have you had unprotected intercourse after your last period (after Aug 21st?)
3. When were you expecting your next period? (How "late" are you)? You said your periods are always on time, but I'm not sure what your cycle length is.
There are many reasons women may be late for a period, or even miss a period one month...and it can be perfectly normal. The normal cycle length is 21-35 days, but this is a range that is flexible (Aug 21st, the first day of your last menstrual period would count as "day 1", and today would be your "day 35"). If you do not begin your menstrual period in the next week, you may want to take a home pregnancy test (if you are worried about pregnancy), or call your doctor's office to speak with a nurse. Most likely, they will not be concerned until you miss a second period, as many women miss a period for no "apparent" reason or have breakthrough bleeding (as what may have occurred to you for 3 days) if you are starting a new medication. Also stress or recent illness could "cause" a late or missed period.
Does this help?
September 24, 2009 - 11:59amThis Comment
Thank you for responding Alison,
September 24, 2009 - 12:25pmI know this sounds stupid but my birth control has been the pulling out method that my husband and I have been doing for 3 years now and had no problems as of yet. I am a 28 day cycle. I am on no medications and yes I did take a home preg test 2 days ago and it was neg. last week I had dizzy spells but ok this week, kinda thought I was coming down with the flu, also headaches everyday for about a week. but not as bad this week. I should see a doctor but scared of the results.
This Comment
Ginea,
The Withdrawal Method (or "pull out" method) is not stupid at all! You can read more about this as an actual form of birth control at Planned Parenthood: Withdrawal Method. When young adults and teenagers tell us that they used the pull out method with their boyfriend, we encourage them to use a second form of birth control, as the effectiveness rate for this birth control is not very high when used between two people who are "new" to each other and not as "practiced" with this technique. The effectiveness rate for these couples who likely are not using this method perfectly each time, the typical use has an effectiveness rate of only 73%.
However, for a couple that has been sexually intimate for years and years together, and this is their choice of birth control, the effectiveness rate can increase to 96% (at preventing pregnancy) with "perfect use".
(These numbers compare to "perfect use" of hormonal contraception at 99%, and condoms at 98%, which are both methods that are easier to use "perfectly").
Home pregnancy tests are very reliable at detecting any "pregnancy hormone" once you have a missed period, so you can be fairly confident in your results. The symptoms you describe may be hormonal: upcoming period or pregnancy, or they may be related to an illness that your body is fighting off. (It is cold/flu season!)
Please do not be scared of any results, as information is power! Many, many women have late or even missed periods, and it can be from many causes that are not "scary". If you do not start your period in the next few days, I would recommend calling your doctor Monday. Most GYN offices have a nurse-on-call who can let you know if you need to be seen, or many will tell you to wait until next month's period. (It really is that common!). If you have any troubling symptoms, you can always request to be seen, just to rule out any medical conditions. But, please know, what you are going through is common for many women!
September 24, 2009 - 2:12pmThis Comment