J.K. asks from Goodyear, AZ on August 31, 2009
Weird Cycle
I just wondered if anyone had these symptoms. I spotted a little for a few hours and cramped a little bit after ovulation. But now I'm "late" on my period and I'm not sure if the spotting should be considered a period or not. I figure I'm either pregnant or pre-menapausal or something since I'm 38 years old... I've been regular my whole life with never an issue. Usually, a missed period means I'm pregnant but I've never spotted and cramped a week before I was due to start my cycle before. Thanks for your input!
So What Happened?™
Well, I finally broke down yesterday and took a pregnancy test! It was positive! I'm super excited and happy and a little nervous too because I had a miscarriage last year. The box said that if you're close to menapause or premenapause age, you could get a false positive. I'm hopeful that this isn't a false positive and that I don't have a miscarriage or any other complications. Thanks for your input! Hugs to you all!
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A.C. answers from Phoenix on September 01, 2009
It could be a lot of different stuff...stress, hormones. etc. But you can notice "spotting" the day a fertilized egg implants itself on the uterus. It is known as implantation spotting, and if you are still late, who knows you could be pregnant.
T.B. answers from Albuquerque on September 01, 2009
I am going through the same thing. Two months ago I had a few days of spotting and nothing for 5 days then a full regular period. When I was 25 I had a tubal done and was told that it could throw me into early menopause. I talked to a nurse and doctor and they told me I was perimenopausal. I am now having regular periods but shorter in length, mine now last 4 days. But I would take a pregnancy test just to be sure and go see a doctor just to make sure that everything else is ok. Good Luck!
M.I. answers from Albuquerque on August 31, 2009
It sounds like it could have been implantation bleeding. It generally happens 7-10 days past ovulation. I would say take a pregnancy test if you haven't already. Good luck!
K.E. answers from Phoenix on September 01, 2009
I started having peri-menopausal symptoms at 38, so it could be that. However, I would get it checked out - make a Dr. appt. just to be sure. When did your mother start menopause, that will be a good indicator of when you can start it. My mother went through it in her early to late 30's.
I see that you are a very ambitious young mom - homeschooling four kids. That's great. I did that for awhile when my kids were young. I hope you remember (I didn't too much) to take time out for yourself and do fun things with your friends without the kids at times.
Take care,
K.
C.D. answers from Phoenix on September 01, 2009
I doubt if you are premenopausal at 38 and there are other symptoms that go with that (could happen, but not likely). Fibroids could also be a cause, but if you've not had these symptoms before this, that's also not likely.
At this point I'd say congratulations were in order. Congratulations. Let us know how it goes.
D.P. answers from Tucson on September 01, 2009
It could be a lot of things. I would take a pregnancy test and if it is negative, contact your GYN to find out what the real cause is. Could be hormones out of balance, a fibroid problem, or menopause. It could be a lot of things. The only way you will find out for sure is if you contact your GYN and let her/him know what is going on and get checked out completely. Menopause starts at different times for different women. I have a friend who started it in her mid 30s. I haven't started it at all and am 40-1/2 years old. Take care and let us know what you find out.
D. P.
M.H. answers from Albuquerque on September 01, 2009
R.C. answers from Phoenix on September 01, 2009
Sometimes the spotting you described 1 week before your period is implantational bleeding (bleeding when the placenta attaches to the uterine wall), while other times it may just indicate that your hormones were just out of balance. Now that you are late, it's time to take a pregnancy test. If it's negative and no period for another 5-7 days. Repeat the pregnancy test. If still negative you may want to see a doctor/midwife. I did have spotting before my expected period with 2 of my pregnancies. It was very light and lasted only a few hours. Best wishes! R., Certified Nurse Midwife/SAHM of 2
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