Irregular Period, Flow, & Dark Blood

[LisaResurgent22]

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 10 years ago and I've always had heavy and painful periods but they were always monthly up until August 2012. Since then my period has been skipping around sometimes skipping 1-2 months until my most recent cycle when it skipped 4 months. The length of the cycle has also changed between heavy flow for 3 days to a normal flow at 10 days. However, this cycle I'm on now has been very strange. I started bleeding on March 8, then it stopped March 9-12, and then started flowing again March 13 and it still hasn't stopped today on the 26th. It hasn't been heavy or particularly painful but the blood isn't fresh, it's very dark/dark brown and looks like old blood. Does anyone know what might cause this?

[LisaResurgent22]

I am now on day 31 of bleeding. Last thursday the blood finally turned to a normal bright red color but now I'm bleeding quite a bit and passing large jelly-like blood clumps (blood clots, maybe?). This is more like a normal period would be for me but with a lot more, and much larger, bloody clumps than usual.

[LisaResurgent22]

Hello! Thank you for your response, I plan to go see a gynecologist as soon as my classes end this month. Since I live away from home for college my parents would like me to wait until I am home to see someone there. I'm not sexually active and this will be my first visit with a gynecologist. I'm on day 26 of still bleeding and now just feeling tired most of the time. Also feeling pressure in my pelvic area but it's not painful, just uncomfortable. Hopefully answers will come soon!

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
Irregular menses and absent menses is a feature of PCOS and this may be a part and parcel of it. However since the bleeding is prolonged this time, you need to consult a gynaecologist for an evaluation. Local issues in the cervix and vagina like cervical erosion and endometrial polyps can also lead to such symptoms.
The answer is based on information provided. Exact advice is not possible without a proper examination and investigations. You are requested to consult your Doctor. Take care and keep us posted.