Suggest Remedy For Irregular Bleeding In A 41 Year Old
I am having some irregular bleeding and would like your opinion on why and how concerned I should be.
History:
I am 42 years old. My cycle has always been about 28-29 days. My period would last about 7 days although the bleeding would usually stop for 1-2 days in between those 7 days (so, for example, I would bleed for days 1-3, then stop bleeding for days 4-5, then bleed again for days 6-7). My period has always been light-medium in intensity, and I've always had PMS symptoms (cramps, moodiness). Over the past year, my cycle has been getting shorter and is now 25-26 days. My period lasts only about 4-5 days now and is much heavier with some clots. PMS symptoms are the same. I've wondered if I'm starting perimenopause. Do these changes match perimenopause?
This cycle I started my period on Sept 21. My period lasted about 4 days, then stopped, then the bleeding started again on Sept 28 - and I am still bleeding! The bleeding has been *very* light over the last 3 days, but it is still there (I only see it when I wipe after I pee, nothing in the toilet bowl).
So - should I be concerned about anything, or is this just perimenopause?
I have HPV and had 3 LEEP procedures in 1998. My paps and HPV tests have been normal ever since. I have not given birth. I am not on birth control pills. I am not pregnant. I have had a recent physical with full bloodwork, and all was normal.
Mostly Peri-menopausal symptoms. Do USG scan.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
According to your given information, these are MOSTLY suggestive of PERI- MENOPAUSAL symptoms. It is a transitional period before approaching to menopause after few years.
Hormonal fluctuation, mental stress, anxiety, emotional upset etc can lead to this type of irregular bleeding (heavy to light). It will stop automatically and you should maintain genital hygiene properly.
One ultrasound scan would be worthwhile if you HAVEN'T done yet. It helps to rule out some other causes like endometrial or cervical polyp etc though your recent blood work is NORMAL. Kindly, consult with your gynecologist regarding this for proper guidance and management.
Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.
Wish your good health and take care yourself.
Regards,
Dr S Patra
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326