period concerns

i am 22 years old, not taking any form of birth control. my periods are normally 4-5 days. except after giving birth, that lasted 9 days.
this month i started 4 days early, and have been bleeding for 12 days. i have no cramps or pain. i dont have insurance.
what could be the reason? should i go to the dr?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

HI!
I ALWAYS recommend a pregnancy test in this circumstance.  If that is positive, you should definitely check in with your doctor.  If not, because you are so young, if you were my patient, I would be inclined to say "Lets wait and see what happens next cycle."  It is quite common for women to have an "off" cycle now and then; often due to stress.  If the bleeding stops and your next cycle is normal, there is no cause for alarm.

If the bleeding continues for several more days, or becomes heavy, you might want to check in with your doctor, because there are some medications that can be used to stop the flow.  Additionally, if this becomes a pattern for you, you should see your doctor for that as well.

Good luck!
Dr B