Menstrual cycle question

[Anonymous]

I've tried googling this but can't find anything that fits --

My menstrual cycle is irregular but in a way that might be common, I'm not sure. I have my cycle every month, at regular 28-30 day intervals. For three or four months, my cycle is pretty light. It will last two, maybe three days tops. It's so light that I only wear a tampon three or four times. One box can last months.

Then comes month five...and boom. I will soak a pad and tampon every thirty minutes. I've had to run home from work, because I stand up and I'm soaked down to my socks. It's thin(?) in consistancy, but heavy in volume.

I made an appointment last time this happened, but the OB cancelled due to an emergency. I never rescheduled, because it's fine a couple of days later.

I'm not on birth control, which I know will regulate my cycle. I really don't want to go there unless there is a dire need to do so.

Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

[Anonymous]

You need to go see your OB. Anytime of the month should be OK. You might have adenomyosis or something like that.

[Anonymous]

So, you are regular every month, just that some months are lighter or heavier than normal? I'm not sure what to make of your heavier months, but I know that lighter months are an indication that you didn't actually ovulate that month. It's pretty normal for it to happen once or twice a year, but I agree with PP that you need to see your GYN since it looks like it's happening more often. Maybe you have PCOS or are beginning menopause?

[Anonymous]

How old are you?

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I'm 35, so it's not menopause. I've never had PCOS issues in the past. I was able to get pregnant very easily, and do not plan on having anymore kids (DH had a vasectomy).

I'll go ahead and make an appointment.

[Anonymous]

Never assume it isn't menopause.

But this is not normal for sure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone. I'm 35, so it's not menopause. I've never had PCOS issues in the past. I was able to get pregnant very easily, and do not plan on having anymore kids (DH had a vasectomy).

I'll go ahead and make an appointment.

It could be peri-menopause. I also fell pregnant immediately both times I tried and I have this too - every 6 months a major bleed and searing pain. The rest of the time, light and over in about 4 days. But I am 46. I know that peri-menopause can start a lot earlier.

[Anonymous]

I would make an appointment. If nothing else, it worries me that you are likely to get anemic with that kind of severe blood loss!

It seems unusual to me that it would happen so irregularly. I would definitely schedule an appointment to find out.

[Anonymous]

That doesn't seem normal. If all your OB could be a fibroid or perimenipause or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone. I'm 35, so it's not menopause. I've never had PCOS issues in the past. I was able to get pregnant very easily, and do not plan on having anymore kids (DH had a vasectomy).

I'll go ahead and make an appointment.

You're assuming it's NOT menopause?

I've had friends go through menopause in their 30s. You're not immune.