Does anyone have any theories as to why my periods have dramatically changed for no apparant reason?

[SummerRain]

I have always, since the age of 12 when I started having them, had about 5 weeks between periods. Often longer, never less than a month and I can count on one hand how often it's been that short a gap. I once went two months without a period as a teen and 5-6 weeks is normal.

I have conceived 3 times and have never had any obvious problems with fertility and was nicely used to my long cycle. Occasional cramps but never two months running and rarely too extreme.

Until recently.... my last three periods have been the 24/10, 24/11, 24/12 and today; 21/1 All of them have been heavy and painful. On Christmas morning I was in agony... felt like labour pains. The two months before I was woken by the cramps before my period had even started and today I developed a severe pain in my side which radiated towards front and back and down my leg and started bleeding an hour later. The pain was still there until the neurofen kicked in and stayed in my side

So why on earth would my cycle spontaneously shorten and become so much more unpleasant? My youngest is almost 2 and my periods returned at 17 months postpartum and were the usual 5ish weeks apart until October.

You might have fibroids. Maybe get your GP to refer you for a scan?

Hmm... just wiki-ed fibroids and sounds possible.

Think my doctor may do the face at me if I complain that my periods are too regular.... that should be fun conversation

I have a 5cm Fibroid apparently, just diagnosed in November. I was like you regular, but for awhile now I have really heavy periods that last 3 weeks.
I have taken Tranexamic Acid that did not work, I am currently taking Noresthisterone - which I would NOT recommend, they have turned me into a monster.
Going back to see GP on Tuesday about alternatives. Really fed up with this situation.

I'm so sorry to hear that ell1. Sounds horrific. I can't say my periods are longer... just heavier and closer together with a lot more 'symptoms' accompaning them.

Do you know, are fibroids detected at smear tests? I had a smear before ds2 and was told I was clear but needed another in 12 months...usual here is 5 years so am a bit worried but I got pregnant with ds2 and didn't have the follow up one and am waiting for my cervical screening application to go through now before I can book one (daft new irish system). I'm just wondering now if it was possibly fibroids that gave the odd result that warranted a repeat smear?

I don't think they would affect smear test results because they are attached to the uterine wall but I also have to have repeat smear. I had the same problems with longer periods and closer together and had a scan which showed I have several small fibroids. I can go for months and be fine and then they seem to flare up again. Was told I don't need any intervention.

Right, looks like trip to the gp then to get it checked out.

seasalt... did they tell you why you needed the repeat? I just got a letter saying i was 'within normal parameters but a repeat smear in 12 months was strongly recommended' or words to that effect.

I had no intention of leaving it this long but first was preg with ds2, then periods took 17 months to return (they won't do smears here other than mid cycle) and then when i went to the nurse to book it the new system of free cervical screening won't let her do it without my 'invitation letter' but the stupid form I had to fill out just asked me had i had one in the last 3 years... which i had, but had no option for saying I needed another immediately so I assume I'm not a priority to be 'invited' now.

SummerRain

Any such changes should always be reported to the GP. In your case as well Summer I'd be asking for a referral to a gynaecologist. This is a problem outside a GPs remit and many of them are of not much help or even use when it comes to such issues. If the GP prescribes anything at the time to help say this is all well and good but you also want the CAUSE determined!.

Endometriosis is a word that immediately sprang to mind when I read of your painful periods. Any symptoms that are cyclical in nature and get worse up to and during menstuation should always be checked further to see if endo is there. However, the usual way endo is diagnosed is through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

Fibroids would not be detectable via smear tests. You also need an internal ultrasound but would have to say that if endometriosis was there it will not be seen on any such scan.

Good luck and do update when you can.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers!!!.

Thanks Attila... will do. My gp is a lovely woman who gives out to me for leaving things too long before i come down to her so I don't think she'll cause problems about referring me onwards if it's necessary.

It's bloody inconvenient timing though, two OU courses on the go as well as lots of other stuff going on, the last thing i need is medical problems myself.

I agree with Attila , my first thought on reading the symptoms was possible endometriosis. Would ask for a gynae referral when you speak to the GP.

some info here

My results said changes in cells so that's why I have to have a repeat.

I had an external and internal ultrasound.
I also get 'kicks' in my stomach but only when I am laid down, and am definitely NOT pregnant (as in same sex relationship).

I was wondering if I also could have Endo....

sorry I haven't been back to this... internet has been on the blink since thursday.

ell1... it's funny you mention 'kicks' as I've been getting them a lot recently and assumed it was wind but it's definitely a new sensation and thinking back probably started around the same time as the wonky periods.

Thanks for the info moaning... will read now and see if anything sounds familiar.