reposted from womens health as no relies
I’m absolutely desperate for advise at this stage if anyone has any experience please help!
Since around 2019 I’ve suffered with spotting before my period starts. My periods have always been quite regular - I’ve never missed one. The spotting appeared to be triggered by a stressful event OR coincided with me completely coming off the progesterone only pill which I used to take back to back and then have a ‘period’ every few months. This spotting was quite inconsistent but would only ever occur before my period for around 5-7 days.
Over the years this spotting has became more consistent and permanent. For the last 4 years I always have spotting before my period for around 5-7 days. The spotting can be brown and minor but it also can be more significant and be bright red blood. The bright red blood tends to come on after a bowel movement. I then have this on and off mild and more intense spotting until my period begins. My periods last around 5 days, are painless and I continue on usually until the next period cycle where the spotting begins again a week before the period.
In 2022 I had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy which both showed everything was normal, I had no endometriosis and the histology results were clear.
In early 2024 I had blood tests to check my progesterone, thyroid, FSH and LH. These came back as my progesterone being low and an overactive thyroid. FSH was as it should be for my age. LH suggested I wasn’t ovulating but this was likely due to the overactive thyroid. I had a routine smear in August 2024 which was clear.
I was then diagnosed with Graves’ disease/hyperthyroidism and have been taking medication ever since. My thyroid has reacted very well to this and is now at a normal level. I have regular blood tests which suggest I am now ovulating again - I also do have strong ovulation signs each month.
I have an endocrinologist who I receive treatment for my thyroid from, I have seen plenty of GP’s, nurses and the gynaecologists who have all said this spotting is ‘normal’.
My endocrinologist thinks I may have estrogen dominance due to stress which is causing my hormones to basically give up and release the spotting/blood too early hence the 7 days before my period which is pretty much like clockwork. When the spotting begins I do have mild cramps but nothing concerning. My periods are pain free.
however, I am now a week and a half before my period is due and I’ve had brown spotting last night and today, after a bowel movement, have had bright red blood. I’m on cycle day 19 so this should not be happening yet! I’m really panicking and don’t know what to do or who to believe.
I do suffer from extreme stress - my stress levels are astronomical and have been for around 5 years (due to personal circumstances and debilitating OCD). Could stress be this issue all along or is this unlikely? I’m 32, I am slightly overweight but nothing alarming.
Can someone please offer any help or advice?! Thank you