Concerned about light periods, only lasting 2/3 days

[Lauraliverpool]

Concerned about how light my periods are, and the amount of days they last, current one started on Friday and today seems to have more or less stopped. About to turn 42, so thinking this may have something to do with it. Usually for a few days prior I get backache and some dull cramps. Concerned this may have a impact on having another baby. Already have a son, conception was natural, prior 3 mmcs and two IVF rounds, which didn't result in a pregnancy.

@Lauraliverpool
My periods are extremely light and have been since I was 33 (now 39), we have been trying to conceive for over 6 years (no live births). My periods last a day or so and are extremely light. I noticed when I first tried to conceived and was referred to the hospital, turned out I had extremely high prolactin levels, although this is now under control my periods still remain extremely light. I'm also concerned this may be causing an issue with trying to get pregnant. 3rd transfer failed last week.

@SH998 when I was younger, they would definitely last at least 5 days, but now about 2 to 3 days. I had IVF about 2 years ago, a couple of transfers, which didn't work and I wonder if its because the lining wasn't thick enough, but prior to the transfer they scanned me and said it was, I do know that before I had one of the transfers they prescribed me estrogen to thicken the lining. I'm really sorry to hear your transfer didn't work, I know how hard that is. Sending you a big hug. Xx

Hi op , I have really scanty periods , sometimes it's essentially just spotting on the toilet paper when I pee. ( I get cramps a good week or 2 before past 2 cycles) i was told my progesterone is low so i have wondered if thats the issue. Also was told at my last appointment at fertility clinic my prolactin levels are high like other user , which can apparently affect periods aswell. I took a provera in nov and the following month I had such a normal period which I haven't had in years and actually conceived following month but lost it. Have you had a blood test done to check your hormone profile?

@MK85 Hi, I get backache for a few good days prior to my period, more light than it used to be, still need to wear a pad, but doesn't last for days and days. I've had some hormone tests and as far as I was aware they were ok but will double check on that. That's interesting about provera. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Xx

Thought I would add a my story for the positive outcome. A few years ago, my periods suddenly became very short and light, like 1-2 days max of normal flow and then brown spotting for another day or two. The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong on blood tests and scans showed all was normal but the lining was a little thin (though a second opinion revealed the lining was ok). I trialled progesterone but no change. I still have no idea what the cause was but am currently beached on the sofa at 35 weeks pregnant. It took us 8 months TTC and we feel very very fortunate. I am curious how my periods will look following pregnancy! Definitely keep pushing your doctor to get some tests and answers and, in the meantime, all the luck TTC 💐

@Pickles91 thanks for the reply, congrats on your pregnancy ❤️ I double checked the blood tests I had done, due to concerns of light periods, etc and they said they came back normal. X

I have this as well OP. I've been having fertility treatment due to male factor (IVF and now IUI with a donor).

They say there is nothing wrong with me but I've raised concerns about my ultra light periods multiple times and they just say it's not a problem - feel really fobbed off. Especially as I'm not getting pregnant and I am under 35.

No advice really but just sympathy, it's rubbish.

Hi all. Slightly on a tangent but I have just discovered this podcast which talks about cycles, fasting and how to eat and fast according to hormones, how to hormone feast and metabolise hormones, build progesterone etc. I have just bought the book and it's amazing. Thought it may help as she talks about fixing lots of issues.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feel-better-live-more-with-dr-rangan-chatterjee/id1333552422?i=1000603189639

Dr Mindy Pelz - Fast Like a Girl

Hello

I had a MMC in June last year, and when my period returned it was very light, 3/4 days of spotting only. I was very worried about a thin lining/scarring from the MVA - I had the basic tests done at the GP which came back normal. But to give you some hope I am now 22 weeks pregnant. I am also 41. I couldn’t find many experiences of light periods online, so wanted to say it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t conceive.

Best of luck x

@TunicFox I know when I was having ivf after one of the egg collection they prescribed estrogen as they said my lining was a bit thin, this was to help thicken it. Also had progesterone prescribed after egg transfer. Also a couple of years ago before the ivf got prescribed high dose folic acid. I've had blood tests which have apparently nothing wrong, so it is frustrating.

@Natpat81 this is what was on my mind, for the 3 mmc I've had, I had surgery and then I thought my lining would be affected from that. It gives me hope from your story. I also think what doesn't help is regularly having sex each month as I don't want my husband to feel under pressure, and I know this is sounding silly, but how much of the month you do have to try without testing for ovulation, cause doing that felt like pressure. X

@CheeseDreamsTonight I will have a look at that podcast, thank you 😊