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What Causes Light Menstrual Bleeding?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: Two weeks ago I had a very light period. It lasted my typical amount of days, but was lighter bleeding than normal. I was having a severe bout with hemorrhoids and some constipation at the time also. Since, my hemorrhoids have subsided and am having normal bowel movements again. Yesterday I started having light menstrual bleeding. I am not due for my period for another week. Could this be a residual effect from the light period? My husband and I had sex earlier in the week in which I had a very intense orgasm. I have noticed when we have sex close to my period, the intensity of the orgasm does seem to facilitate my menses beginning.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly related to hormone imbalance.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I would relate the current lighter bleed to possible transient hormone imbalance. The hormones released during an intercourse sometimes trigger an early period.

Anemia also predisposes to menstrual disturbances and can lead to early periods. Since you have had a bleeding episode with hemorrhoids recently, it is possible that you have become anemic. You need to get hemoglobin level assessed by your doctor.

In the current scenario, I would suggest a proper evaluation by a specialist to exclude local causes for the spotting and if negative, get a trans-vaginal sonogram to know the status of the pelvic organs and if needed, go for a hormone profile.

If you do not use any contraception, pregnancy also should be suspected.

Hope your query has been answered. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (18 minutes later)

I just read about implantation bleeding. The description sounds semi-similar to this bleeding. My husband and I do use condoms. We, however, don't sometimes use them the few days before my period. This is the case prior to my last light period. But it would seem that this bleeding would be much too late for implantation bleeding. Since I do have a short cycle, between 22-24 days, could it be possible the condom was faulty and this is implantation bleeding from earlier this week? The light period began XXXXXXX 22. We had sex on this past Monday, Feb. 3.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Whatever be the length of the cycle, ovulation occurs two weeks prior to the onset of the next menstrual cycle. Implantation bleed is seen about 10-12 days after fertilization and this happens at about the time of the expected period. Thus, it is unlikely that an intercourse could show an implantation bleed within a couple of days. Of course, it is likely that you had the recent intercourse in your fertile period presuming the last period you had to be a natural one.

Hope I have clarified your query. Please get back if you need any more help. I will be glad to do so.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad