Worried about irregular periods

[lane79]

This is probably about to be TMI but ladies, could use some advice. I'm 28, and I've spent the past 4 months or so really fretting about what's going on with my monthly cycles. I've never given my periods as much thought as I have lately and it's frankly driving me nuts the amount of stress it's causing! Things have always been pretty "normal" for me (28-29 days cycles, period would last 5 days, no major issues). Then last year I started to have mid-cycle spotting and I had a D&C in December to remove uterine polyps. After my procedure I got my period 10 days later which was right on schedule, but still freaked me out since I thought the procedure would delay things. Period was much lighter than it normally is. But everything with the D&C itself was fine and my doctor wasn't concerned. Anyway, this month my period came after 23 days which is the earliest it's ever come and it seems like it's just been off. Pretty heavy at times, and I'm already on my 7th day and still have bright red blood (although the flow is lighter). So I'm worried since everything I've read is saying "talk to your doctor if your period lasts longer than 7 days" and I am just sick of dealing with doctors in general. Particularly since I'm really hoping this is just nothing. Does anyone else have experience with this? Is my body still getting back to normal after the D&C? Any advice would be appreciated since I'm sure the stress I'm feeling isn't helping things. Thanks

[PennyPanic]

Well, I've almost never had a regular period.  I had a period lasted for over 6 months once...it was really really heavy and horrible.  Please do realize that my doc was aware of the constant bleed and we worked during that entire 6 months to stop it.  Eventually my body just stopped bleeding for some unknown reason.  For me I'm only regular when on some kind hormone therapy and I don't tolerate it well (due to other issues)...so I'm pretty much just on period for months and then not at all for months.  With that said, I've had every test anyone could ever think of for a woman to have...every single one multiple times.  What's "normally abnormal" for me I realize is not normal for others.  It's good that you are aware that 7 days is not normal for you..you're being proactive.

Please go to your doc and discuss it with him/her but don't worry...there are a million reasons why someone would have an abnormal period including STRESS, ANXIETY...dietary changes, hormonal fluctuations, tons of stuff and it's all very fixable. 

STRESS doesn't help at all so just make an appt and get it checked out.

It's ok to be scared and stressed by this...I've been there...but you'll be ok.  Check with your doc and let us know how you're doing 'cause we care.

[dancer67]

I am 45, and my periods have started to get wonky on me. Premenopause has been horrible for me, because as someone with health anxiety, any change sends me into a panic. Last month I didn't get my period until day 34. That was the first time that has ever happened. And I just got my period today, and it is only day 25. My average is about every 26-30 days. Now I have no idea when they are coming. I keep trying to tell myself that I am 45, and things are going to start changing. And I can't run to the Dr. everytime my period comes late or early. The rule of thumb, for any woman is that if you have bleeding past 10 days, spot between periods, or soaking through pads every hour for several hours.Because you had a D+C,it sounds like that is what is causing the bleeding into day 7. If you are still bleeding on day 10 and still need protection, I would just call your GYN and ask. But I can bet that is why your period is messed up. If you should go in and see your GYN, make sure they test your iron to make sure you do not need to take iron pills. I realy wouldn't worry, but a quick call to the GYN if you are still bleeding on day 10 would be good just to see what they say. My bet is that they are going to tell you it is from the D+C.

[lane79]

Thanks for your responses, I really appreciate it. I can't even really explain *why* I'm feeling so anxious about this, particularly because of the recent stuff I've been through I know the doctors would have caught anything serious, so I figure it has to be either a stress or hormone thing. It's just every change with my body sends me into panic mode these days, and I'd constantly be calling the doctor. So with this I just tried my usual "ask Dr. Google" and that of course doesn't lead anywhere good.  Anyway, now that it's day 8, I'm still having some light brown spotting which has always been normal for me on either end of my period, I just don't think it's ever lasted this long before. I will call my doc if it doesn't stop within the next few days.