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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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I have same problem...its kind of a concern for me, I admit. My period will usually change from heavy to medium flow for years since I was 9. But in past 8 months something happened to my period. now its very light that I don't even need one large pad for 24 hours. But yet I still get symptons as if I am getting super-heavy period. My ovary (usually right ones) will be in lot pain. I wonder if it might mean infertifility or something? I admit I am scared of this change. Guess I'll find out next month....
December 14, 2011 - 12:30pmThis Comment
what would make my period change from heavy,i would use between 4-6 tampons per day,plus 1 pad just incase i over flowed. but for the last 4 months i haven't been using tampons only pads,but i've only been using 3-4 per day. what would make my periods blood level change,from heavy to light?
December 11, 2011 - 8:26pmThis Comment
Hi there, don't know if anyone can help me. For the past few years my period has gotten lighter and lighter. Some times only lasting one day. Now I have always had heavy periods so I was very concerned when this started happening. Went to the the gyno when it first happened and was told my body was changing because I was getting older. When it continuously happened I finally got some testing done. Checked my hormone levels and did a ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries. The only thing that was found was my uttering lining was very thin and I was asked if I had ever had children and I have not. Never really told why it was thin just said nothing to be concerned about until I start trying to have children. Now I am 30 still having almost no period. I have had some discomfort lately almost like I have a UTI but it doesn't hurt or burn when I urinate. Also I feel very, how do I say this with out sounding groase, loose lately, not when I'm having sex but just in general. Like I'm more open than I should be when I walk around its almost like there is air in there. Very weird feeling. I don't have insurance right now or I would be going to the doctor. Any ideas? Sorry this is so long.
December 8, 2011 - 4:35pmThis Comment
Hi :) I managed to get my results from my blood tests :) after taking iron my levels are back to normal. However, they did find out that after fasting for 12-14hrs (recommended time) my glucose levels are 5.8 higher than 5.5 which it should be. A while back they tested my hormones and my oestradiol is <20 pmol/L. I have no idea what either of these mean but some more tests next week should confirm things. So far though my period is 18days until this time when now im just waiting for it to come.. so overall I'm jst kept in the dark for a while. jst thought this would keep u up to date from last time we spoke :)
May 19, 2011 - 5:42amThis Comment
hi!!!i am a 19 year old,currently worried with my situation which is almost identical to most of the cases that have been aired by my colleagues.my flow normally lasted 6-7days,with the first three days bng heavy,my first day was terribly painful.i am on my third day and i am sure 1 pad would last me the whole day...i did have protected sex during my midmonth(obviously this wd not be a cause of worry).wat cd be the cause of these changes???i havent been stressed lately...as much as i have always wanted a lighter flow.....this is so unsettling....pliz help!!!
May 1, 2011 - 11:17pmThis Comment
A lighter period is nothing to worry about...is that your question?
Please re-read the comments previous to your question, as there is great information about what a normal period is and what "abnormal" period might entail.
A change in your period can be normal, but if you are excessively bleeding, then you would need to call your doctor. A lighter period for a day is nothing to worry about.
If you are having severe pain, this would warrant a call to your doctor.
May 3, 2011 - 9:31amThis Comment
Hi :) I was told by family and friends because it is 18 days and regular I shouldn't worry about it due to my existing stress from my studies. Oh, and I just realised my comment did have some relevance to the question before, my period is rarely light and it has been for this cycle. so my question now is, should I wait for my next cycle to give the iron a chance to improve before seeing the docs? because my feeling is that my anemia is causing these problems. thanks again for your support. After researching extensively I know a lot of girls share similar problems and I hope my experience can help them as well if they read this. I shall keep you posted :)
April 26, 2011 - 9:29amThis Comment
Hi,
Your family and friends are right that you "shouldn't worry" about your 18-day cycle period, but that does not mean that there is not an underlying reason leading to your abnormal cycles. Having a loved one tell you "not to worry" is different than being educated and empowered yourself...and taking control of your own health.
You now know that a normal cycle (for most women, most of the time) is 21-35 days, and your cycle is considered "not normal". Since it has been occuring for an extended period of time, you at least want to inform your doctor. (ironically, what your loved ones are considering "regular", but could also be replaced with the word "chronic" if there is a medical condition).
What you do with this information is up to you, but it is recommended that you talk with your doctor about your abnormal cycle, even if it is "regularly" abnormal...it is still abnormal. There may be nothing to worry about, as some women can fall outside of this "normal" range (it is a range and not carved-in-stone), but it is best to take charge of our own health and rule out certain medical conditions. Nothing to worry about...it could be anemia, but I want to make sure you are listening to your body and talking with your doctor.
Regarding your iron pills: what did your doctors tell you, in regards to what treatment effects you should expect when taking your prescription? If you do not know...please make a quick phone call to your doctor's office (you can talk with a nurse) and ask. You need to know why you are taking the pills, how long you should wait before realizing effects (seeing a positive change or a decrease in symptoms). How long are you expected to take these pills, and are you expected to return for lab tests to test for improvement in iron levels?
You are correct that your anemia could be leading to some menstrual irregularities, but please tell your doctor about your symptoms and let your doctor make that conclusion, based on your unique situation (not what has happened to other women, as each person is different...even though we can absolutely learn from other's experiences. We just can not extrapolate their experience and make it our own).
I hope you do keep us updated! Please call your doctor and ask about your anemia, menstrual cycle and iron pills, so that you are fully informed about the what/why/how regarding your prescription. It is also good practice for future doctor visits to ask all of these details about treatments prescribed.
April 26, 2011 - 10:37amThis Comment
Hi Allison, thank you for that prompt in-depth response. I shall get it checked and get y blood taken again :) thanks ever so much for your help and advice :)
April 26, 2011 - 4:18pmThis Comment
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 - 6:37amThis Comment