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I started my period 6 days early. I have a 28 day cycle. And it's normally very precise. Let me start by saying that i have had a copper coil for over a year now. The first day of my last period was the 1st of june. So, i was expecting my period on the 29th of june. I actually started spotting around the 21st-22nd. Then on the 23rd it started to flow quite heavily. It is now the 27th and it's still quite heavy. My normal period only usually lasts 4 days. light the first day, heavy for the next day, pretty much disappears the 3rd day, and spots and tapers of on the 4th. i know it's seems unusual, but this has been my typical flow for many years.
Not sure what happened there. i have been checked and it's in place. Just wondering if i could be experiencing the onset of menopause as i'm 35. i know that you can have symptoms long before it actually begins.
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hi donnamarie,
Perimenopause (or "pre-menopause") symptoms include irregular cycles, or missed periods, however..you do not sound like you have either of these symptoms. Menopause does not typically begin until a woman is in her 50s, and perimenopause does not typically begin until a woman is in her mid-40s.
An IUD can cause irregular periods, breakthrough bleeding or spotting. This is all normal, and can occur in women who are not using any type of birth control. Many women's periods start out light, or spotting, then end as a heavy flow, and last for 4 days.
You know when your menstrual period needs medical evaluation if:
- bleeding for more than 7 days
- excessive bleeding (soaking more than one pad or tampon every hour)
Can you explain why you are concerned that your period is slightly "off"? This is very normal, and unless you are having other symptoms, there is nothing to be concerned about from your description. I am happy to hear that you had your IUD checked by your doctor!
Let us know if you have any further questions.
June 27, 2010 - 6:43amThis Comment
thanks for such a quick reply. I am concerned because it just is never off like this. And i suppose when you turn to the internet to read about your symptoms, you can find things that can cause concern. Can frighten you even.
June 27, 2010 - 10:48amother symptoms i've had include pain during sex, but only in a certain spot, bleeding after sex.....(only twice). I am concerned because it's unusual.
This Comment
I know....the internet can be very helpful to check symptoms, but the resulting conditions the search engines or certain websites provide are a litany of probable and possible conditions, including all the extremes.
What you can do to educate yourself is:
1. Know your body
2. Educate yourself on what is normal and irregular and abnormal
3. Call your doctor's office, speak to a nurse if your intuition tells you to
You sound like you know your body, and your cycle was irregular: 6 days early. No other unusual or problematic symptoms; just different.
What is normal for a period?
- A woman's cycle can change for "no apparent reason", or due to stress, recent illness, new medication..also pregnancy or underlying medical condition. You can take the "wait and see" approach, to see if your cycle continues to deviate from its norm. It is normal for women's cycles to change over time; sometimes it seems like it "suddenly" changes, and this can be completely normal. If you have no other symptoms, you may have just ovulated early and had an early period...its really nothing to worry about.
- A normal period occurs within a cycle that is anywhere from 21-35 days in length. Your cycle, even this early episode, still falls within this norm. With no other symptoms, this can be completely normal.
Please know that our bodies are not perfectly-timed machines; our bodies are continuously interacting and reacting to its environment. Our bodies have a natural "ebb and flow", and its a great thing that we are adaptable and resilient.
If you have any other symptoms next cycle, or another "off" period, feel free to call your doctor to ask for an appointment. Many, many women really do have irregular periods...and this is even normal! You just want to be aware of any extremes: pain, excessive bleeding, bleeding for 7 days, absence of period.
When is your next annual exam?
The other symptoms you mentioned sound normal. Pain with sex in a certain spot...if it is not pain with intercourse, but only with a certain position, this is normal. Many women find certain positions uncomfortable, or there are certain places that are sensitive. If the pain you describe is unbearable, again, call your doctor to ask and ease your mind. Bleeding after sex is also normal, if it is only a few spots, as sometimes the friction can cause some bleeding...again...just a few spots. If there is more than a few spots, this would be a sign to call your doctor.
Does this help?
June 27, 2010 - 12:12pmThis Comment
thanks again! This has indeed put my mind at ease! and i think from now on i will go ahead and steer away from the internet for answers. I think consulting my doctor is the best thing to do. Thanks again for all of your help.
June 27, 2010 - 1:02pmThis Comment