What Causes Lighter Menstruation And Lesser Cramps And Menstrual Pain?

Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015

Question: This is a follow up to my question last night about transvag ultrasound.... I will certainly have the test done. But I did want another answer from a doctor, (rather than the receptionist at my GYN's office!)

My periods are MUCH lighter, MUCH less painful and a day to a day 1/2 longer now than they were 2 years ago. (I am

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
YOU SHOULD DO TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear and thanks for your query.

I understand your issue and I will try to help you.

Transvaginal scan is a very useful examination while you have had an intermenstrual spotting .
Transvaginal scan is an examination done to rule out/confirm any issue of your uterus .
Another test that you need to do is per vaginam examination (with vaginal swab ) to exclude,confirm infection and PAP-smear.
If all above examinations are normal,this spotting is from hormonal imbalances.

Having much lighter and less painful periods in this age is very normal because your hormonal levels are decreasing with the increasing age.
Hence don't worry for this issue.

All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (48 minutes later)

Thanks for this answer. The Dr. wants me to wait until Tuesday when my period is finished for the ultra sound; so it is scheduled for then. I had a normal pap and manual exam in January 2014.

The receptionist in his office (a high school drop out who has clearly scared me!) said that my periods had to get shorter in my late 40's. If they were even a day longer then I had a problem. But in the US National Institutes of Health literature it says "Change in your period. This might be what you notice first. Your periods may no longer be regular. They may be shorter or last longer. You might bleed less than usual or more. These are all normal changes,"

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause#signs

Who do you think is right?

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are right

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear again and excuse for being late.

I understand your concern.
As per your age having lighter is normal for the reason I said above.

If your Pap-smear is normal, you have excluded cervical issue.

Wait until you will do TVS, to determine the reason of spotting.

All the best

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju