Early Periods???

[SoCalTricia]

Okay, maybe this is TMI...but I'm so stressed out over this. Last month I started my period about four days early. I didn't think much of it. This month I wasn't supposed to start until the 19th. But Sunday night (13th) I started - or so I thought. I had a couple of bright red spots of blood. But then I just had brown spotting for two days, and now it's stopped. I'm so worried that this is something to do with my fertility or something. Any ideas?

Tricia

[tatorbug40]

I would honestly say that your body is still doing the post partum thing...  it can take a while for your body to go back to being completely normal,  and it's only been about 6 months,  right?  I'd think between stress (holidays, and other) and being that you gave birth 6 months ago, your body is just adjusting-  but it never hurts to talk to your ob about it...  I keep you in my prayers, and I am happy that you are close to your reversal date!!  and I will be praying for you really hard!!!  

[SoCalTricia]

Okay - UPDATE: What I thought was my "period" stopped Tuesday night. Nothing until last night...then some more spotting. Now, today, I'm having VERY painful cramps (which is unusual for me) and my flow is normal. What to make of this? Or is it simply that I'm still fairly "postpartum". Sometimes I forget that even though I don't have my sweet baby anymore, my body doesn't know that, so it could just be that everything if going back to normal after having a baby.

Tricia

[prevatt77]

Tricia,

I would have your new OB test your FSH levels and see what your numbers are.  They usually test them on day 3 and day 10 (I think that's right).

But I would say it's all the stress you're under right now.  

[wanting4#1]

I'd make a note of it and talk to the doctor about it whenever you see him/her next!  The only reason that I mention that is because varying period lengths can indicate hormone level 'problems' (I don't have a better word choice). But one thing that I would ask for are some bloodwork panels on different days during the same cycle so that you can get a chart of what's happening.  A doctor that I used to see did some tests on CD 7, 9 and 11 and then again at 3, 7, and 9 days post-ovulation.  It gave him a clear picture that while my progesterone was good, my estrogen levels weren't high enough to support a pregnancy, post-ovulation.

Another scenario that I have heard of is great progesterone numbers on CD21, but then they drop significantly. It's another good argument for doing the tests on multiple days to be able to see a pattern throughout the cycle.

Hope that helps and the very best of luck to you!!

[SoCalTricia]

You guys may be right...it could be stress. I started menstruating again on 9/28 (three weeks after Ian died), and it was a pretty heavy period. The next month, it was right on time, and pretty normal. In November it was early...then this month it was even earlier. I guess it could be stress over Christmas...I've been having a hard time.

Tatorbug - no, I haven't had the reversal yet. Still saving...I have most of the money for the surgery, now I'm saving for travel. I was hoping I'd be able to do it in January, but realistically, it will probably be February. We may have to wait for our tax return.

Thanks, everyone, for your input...

[oceanv]

I would imagine its due to stress.
Take it easy on yourself,
J

[Fugitive06]

Hi.

Since we've been TTC, then m/c, now TWW - I've been obsessive with tracking & especially research, reading everything (credible) that I can get my hands on...

Ya know I read something the other day that said stress doesn't effect when you get  AF.  It can delay ovulation but not cause AF to be early or late.  It is normal for your cycle length to vary +/- 7 days.  An entire week!

Stress CAN however affect your flow, causing what they call a "scanty" period.  Generally bleeding lasts for 3-7 days.  The regular occurrence of bleeding for LESS than 2 days with decreased flow may be a reason to see your Dr but if this is a rarity & because you've been under a lot of stress, I'd be confident to contribute it to that.
NOTE: "Scanty" is defined as lasting LESS than 2 days so you are not even scanty! :)

If it were me (with my new-found knowledge), I'd take note but wouldn't worry unless it continues to occur.

I hope that was helpful.

Good luck!!  Happy Holidays!!
Fugitive (Nancy)

[tatorbug40]

Tricia,  have you had the reversal yet?  I haven't been on here a lot-  I know you had most of the money saved for it,  just wasn't sure if you'd done it yet.  

My period gets weird like that-  following my 2nd miscarriage I had 2 cycles of spotting for a day or two (after a 36 day cycle), then nothing for a few days, then my full out period...  then the 3rd month I had a 27 day cycle, and got pregnant!  I think it is normal, esp given all you have been through this year to have some irrigular periods...  but it is easier to say don't stress,  then not to stress-  but I doubt it is effecting your fertility.