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General health

Changes in menstrual cycle

7 replies

99redballoons · 30/08/2007 19:41

Sorry, this is a bit personal, but I need to talk to someone as it's been on my mind of late.

I've had a regular 31/32 day cycle for as long as I can remember. Even after stopping bf they returned to this pattern and after my 2 m/c's. However, my last two cycles have been ~25 days and today, unexpectedly, I've just started on cycle day 23!!

I'm a bit concerned they have become so short. Thankfully I use a mooncup so I've not had to bare any extra expense!

I have also had quite heavy periods since having my two children, changing from a regular flow over 5-6 days to three really heavy first few days and spotting the rest of the week. My last two periods have felt particularly heavy during those first few days, having to empty a full mooncup almost every 1.5hrs. (sorry if tmi, but not sure if there is a connection with the cycle change).

Has anyone else experienced this, a shortened cycle and/or with a increase in flow?

OP posts:
marge2 · 30/08/2007 19:56

Number of days in cycle not raelly changed but for years I was fairly heavy the first day or two then gradually tapering off for about another 4/5 days. Stayed the same after bother pregnancies. DS2 now 2.4 I am now 40! Finding recently that my periods are EXTREMELY heavy for 1 or two days and then a very fast reduction for another day or so. All over in about 4 days now which is better actually!

Not sure if it is due to being an old hag or what??

99redballoons · 30/08/2007 20:46

Hi Marg

Agree it can be good it's all over and done with, but I must admit I do find 2-3 really heavy days quite overwhelming and would rather plan to be at/near home during this time now which is a pain.

I've had a google, but can't quite find anything relating to a sudden reduction in cycle..

OP posts:
shakenvac · 30/08/2007 21:09

99 - I've experienced exactly the same thing. It started about six months ago, two years after dd was born. More recently, I am also having light bleeds mid-cycle lasting for a few days (probably around ovulation or maybe I am not ovulating. I went to the doctor who tested for hypothyroidism - no (although I may be sub-clinical) - anaemia - no. Also did a smear test - negative - and a Chlamydia test - negative. I have had other symptoms - mild depression, exhaustion, PMT, aching bones and muscles, itchy eyes, thrush a couple of times. She also examined me internally to make sure there were no growths - no. Ovarian cysts or polyps are a possible cause but we haven't got that far yet.

Because the tests showed that I had a candida (yeast) overgrowth, it is beginning to appear that this is the problem as, if it becauses systemic, it can cause menstrual irregularities and affect your thyroid and adrenal hormone levels. As I understnad it, Candida and hormone imbalance are interrelated. Candida overgrowth can be triggered by hormonal changes like being pregnant or going on the pill. So I am going to try some serious pre- and pro-biotics to try and get rid of it - could take a few months. If it doesn't work, I await to see what the doctor suggests in terms of further tests or treatment - possibly a scan.

Sorry to go on but I understand it can be worrying. I am 39 so most likely moving into pre-menopause territory but I don't want my hormones to go haywire just yet and I don't want anything serious to be wrong.

DettaJnr · 31/08/2007 00:18

Shakeanvac, did you know that candida thrives on sugar?

I would suggest that you take Aloe Vera juice which claims to help the imbalance. There are different types on the market. You should be looking for something which is 100%. I take it and find it good.

I have also has changes in my cycle, so watching this thread with interest.

gibberish · 31/08/2007 00:21

Aloe vera is excellent. Forever Living products are exceptionally good.

shakenvac · 31/08/2007 12:20

Thanks, I will try Aloe Vera. I have also heard that it is good for healing the gut. I am going to try a few natural remedies. I have been tired and generally low for so long that it seems obvious that there is something general wrong. The Candida overgrowth is a clue that my digestion is a good place to start in terms of fixing things. Thanks. (sorry - bit of a mini-hyjack).

99redballoons · 07/09/2007 08:45

Hi everyone! Sorry for not replying, we've been away this last week.

Again it's been a strange month, spotting started on day 23 for 4-5 days and then 3 days of heavy bleeding and now (today) back to spotting! I have no idea what's going on.

I did a bit of research aswell and read the bits about polyps etc. I've made a GP appt for next week. Thinking about it I have had on and off occurances of thrush, but I put that down to the pads to pick up the spotting. I will look into that.

I know this is a bit of a silly question, but I hvae three aleovera plants in my house - can I use those in any way? How do I get the juice out in larger quantities than the odd drip (which I currently put on cuts, bruises, dry skin etc).

Keep in touch shakenvac, would be good to compare notes!

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