a change in menstruation

my periods are always 28 days apart and come with heavy cramping and bleeding but last month i was 5 days late and had virtuall no cramping. i only spotted on day one, day 2 i bled real lightly half the day and then nothing the rest of the day, day 3 i spotted half the day then nothing the rest of the day and day 4 the same thing. that was it. this month my period came exactly 28 days later so again 5 days later than usual and again virtually no cramping and i'm barely even spotting. what could this mean?

[Lennox Hoyte, M.D.]

PEriod cycle length and duration can vary over time, depending on age, your stress level, and other factors. Most important is to check for pregnancy. Also important is to rule out cervical or vaginal infections. If you are not pregnant, then if this variability is a problem for you, please consider using a birth control pill to help regulate your cycle.