Period going on 16 days...maybe TMI

[Bri'sgirl]

I've had the weirdest cycle, this month. First, AF was 2 days late. Then, I had the strangest, shooting cramps. I usually get really bad cramps, but these were way different. Plus, AF was full-on 10 days, with the next few days having brown or old blood. AF started March 1, and yesterday (March 15), started back up again, full-on. Plus, the blood this 2nd time looks a little different than normal. (Since it never really went away, I'm counting this as day 16).

I talked to my dr about it, before this 2nd flow, and she said that it probably has to do with my age. I'm 38. She said that the cramps and flow can get stronger in our late 30's, which I was already aware of. However, this just seems really odd.

I've always had very regular 25-day cycles. It sometimes is 24 days, but usually doesn't go 26. At first, I thought maybe it was a very early mc, but now I'm not so sure. I'm really hoping that nothing is seriously wrong. I do have an appointment scheduled for the 25th, but that's a week and a half out.

[sophiesgrandma]

This could be perimenopausal. I stopped menstruating at 4o (very young) and before that I was getting some pretty weird periods and I did'nt know what was going on till my hormones were checked.

[Bri'sgirl]

I have thought about it being perimenopausal, but I'm really hoping it's not. I feel too young for that, ya know? Plus, I'm not sure that I'm completely done wanting more kids. DH and I have talked about having one more.

But, I'd rather it be perimenopausal, than something seriously wrong, I guess.

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Sounds like you had two periods very close together, with one lasting a little longer than normal.

I had that happen 2 cycles ago, and it made me really nervous to be bleeding for so long.

Naturopath said its due to low progesterone which is a common condition as you get older, and I could try progesterone cream if I wanted or wait and see how my cycles are doing. I decided to wait and so far this month things are normal. I have started Vitex, however.

Its most likely perimenopause.

[Bri'sgirl]

So, I had my annual physical yesterday, and I talked with my dr about what happened. After hearing all of the details, including having strep during my first period, and having a never-ending cold/cough for the entire month, she said she doesn't think it's perimenopause and she would be surprised if it was. I sure hope she's right! She said it sounds like my hormones were acting weird, and it could have been because of any of my sicknesses or it could have been a m/c. I am also getting blood work done today, so I'll know more.

She also said that it is very common to follow when your mother started menopause, but it can happen sooner or later. My mom was in her late 40's or early 50's, so I hope I am more that age.