Menstrual Cycle

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ask: What could change menstrual flow from heavy to light, mid-period?

By tenfortyfive October 13, 2009 - 8:53pm
 
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I normally have a heavy period, that lasts for about 6 days. I am on the 3rd day right now, and my flow suddenly went very light (it was heavy for the past two days, like normal). I'm 18 and have had my period since I was 10 and it's been regular and very predictable for the past year or so. What could cause the sudden change? I did get the TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine yesterday, that's the one thing I can think of that has been different with me lately, other than maybe stress from school... could either of those cause such a dramatic change?

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Alison Beaver Guide

What are you specifically concerned about, as I would not consider this a "dramatic" change??

Please know that your period will change throughout your life, depending on if you have had a recent illness, medications (vaccines may/may not effect your cycle the following day..I doubt they would), excess stress...or any number of environmental influences. The changes you experience can include flow that is heavier or lighter; longer or shorter in duration; different color (red, pink, brown), thicker or thinner, etc.

Your menstrual cycles will change many times throughout your life; sometimes it will be predictable and other times there will seemingly be no "rhyme or reason" to the change. Your hormones fluctuate on an on-going basis during your cycle, as your body reacts to its environment. This is normal, and healthy, as our bodies are not built to run like clockwork, even if previously you could count on your period to be precise.

Your menstrual period may be the exact same for months or years, then change for no apparent reason. As long as it is still within the normal ranges, this is fine. Normal ranges for a period means that your cycle is about 21-35 days long, and you don't bleed for more than about 7 days. Some women experience PMS symptoms, others do not. Some women have late periods or even miss a period one month (and is not due to a pregnancy), and this can be normal, too. What's not normal is abnormal heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1-2 pads/tampons every hour), extreme pain, period lasting more than 7 days. You can read more at: How to know if your period is normal.

October 13, 2009 - 9:01pm
tenfortyfive (reply to Alison Beaver)

Thank you! I am just concerned because I have never had anything anywhere near a light period before, or at least not since I have been recording them, which has been for about two/three years now. Like I said, they have all been very predictable. Very reliable. This is something very different for me.

October 13, 2009 - 9:10pm
Alison Beaver Guide (reply to tenfortyfive)

That is great that you are keeping track of your menstrual cycle! Just remember that you can always call your doctor (the nurse triage is a great resource) if you are ever concerned, but you sound like you are doing fine!

I forgot to ask if you are using any type of hormonal contraceptives (pill, ring, depo shot), as that can change your bleeding as well.

October 13, 2009 - 9:18pm
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Anonymous

i have the same problem with you girl i had a heavy flow, had my period in the 4th or 3rd grade and it turned light at my age, dont know if its the same situation but yeah

January 28, 2010 - 7:04pm
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Anonymous

I am concerned myself. For the last couple of months my period has changed dramastically. it's gone from heavy flow to lite sometimes not even spotting the pad at first and then slowly changing to a normal flow but nothing like it used to. i have gain some weight and was told that might be the reason.

May 21, 2010 - 11:04am
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Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hi
Mine did that too like i got sick about a week with the 24 hour bug thing and had major headaches and crap
and then the next one was heavier then before but im use to 7 tampoons a day now its more like 4 or 5 so can you please help me ???

June 28, 2010 - 7:56pm
Alison Beaver Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Can you tell us what you need help with? You are worried about your period becoming lighter, correct?

Please read the information provided above, as a lighter flow is not a concern (unless you have other symptoms as well?)

June 29, 2010 - 7:48pm
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Anonymous

I think it's a concern when you are used to your period being a particular way and while you might think light is great...(it is! ) If it's not what you usually experience then it's quite unsettling. I usually have a heavy flow, like change the pad every couple hours, monster put me in tears and make me almost pass out cramps. About 3 months ago it changed. Suddenly, it's so light one pad a day would be sufficient for the flow and it only lasts about 4 days and there are hardly any cramps if at all! I am not pregnant, haven't gained or lost weight, but it is certainly not normal. The only new thing is exactly 3 months ago I started a new job. But I didn't start my night shift until 2 months ago. It's very unsettling to me. As soon as my health insurance kicks in I am definately calling a doctor.

December 18, 2010 - 1:19pm
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Anonymous

urm, hi :) I've never talked about my period like this before.. but I'll give it a go. I was irregular for about 3 months before put on the pill. I am 20 btw. I have been off the pill now for quite some time maybe 4-5months because I felt sick and it had helped me get things back on track, I also used it to help me with my anemia. However, I am now anemic again and I take Iron pills but weirdly, my cycle has been 18 days apart, for the past 3 months. I'm not sure if this is something to be concerned about or not. Also, don't think this is a conicedence, probably just my body changing, but I've realised I've lost weight and my hair has become a lot thinner. Then again, I've researched that and it can be all due to hormones and body changes etc. Well any opinions would be great, if not then no dramas :D thanks for your time :D

April 26, 2011 - 6:37am
Alison Beaver Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi,
Thanks for your question! It sounds like you should go back to your Gynecologist, and discuss your list of symptoms. Your combined symptoms (weight loss, thinning hair, short menstrual cycles) may indicate a hormonal imbalance...it is best to rule out any medical conditions.

Typically, a "normal" cycle is defined by 21-35 days (counting your first day of bleeding as "day 1"), and your 18-day cycle is something that your Gynecologist should know about, in order to conduct some tests or exam.

Please keep us updated!

April 26, 2011 - 8:29am
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