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Q: 

What's going on??

By Anonymous October 22, 2014 - 5:03pm
 
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I am 31 years old and not sexually active. My periods have been pretty irregular over the past year. I assume this is because of being overweight and the stress caused by the loss of my father this year. I started my period on October 1 and it progressed as "usual;" however, two days later, I began bleeding again, but much lighter and more sporadically. It has not stopped though and I'm wondering what's going on - 3 weeks of bleeding?

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Guide

 

Dear Anon - Thank you so much for your question and welcome!

There could be a number of reasons for what you're experiencing. Although you are young for it, this could be a symptom of early perimenopause. 

EmpowHER describes perimenopause as "the period in a woman's life before natural menopause, where her hormones are "in transition". It is characterized by a gradual decrease in progesterone and estrogen, but hormone fluctuations are common. This period can last from 3-10 years before menopause. Some women have many symptoms during this period, others few. Irregular menstrual cycles are the most common first sign. Other common symptoms are PMS-like symptoms (bloating, breast tenderness), hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and changes in the breasts.

Another potential reason is fibroids. Symptoms include:

◦Pelvic pain
◦Feeling of pelvic pressure
◦Heavy menstrual bleeding
◦Clots in menstrual flow
◦Long periods
◦Bleeding between periods
◦Increased cramping during periods
◦Pain during sex
◦Frequent need to urinate
◦Constipation
◦Bloating
◦Enlarged uterus, giving the appearance of pregnancy
◦Low back or leg pain
◦Infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes
◦Miscarriage

If the bleeding is showing no signs of ending, you will need to see a health care professional. There may be an underlying condition which is causing this, and that could threaten your health.

Hope that helps, and please let us know what you learn from your medical provider.

Best,

Pam

October 22, 2014 - 5:47pm
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