Period issues

[angel531]

Hi there,

I have been to my family doctor, however, he said this is normal...
When I was younger my periods use to be like clock work and ranged from 6-7 days. I went on depo for a couple of years (not for BC). I was a dancer and I didn't want to deal with tampons and pads while dancing.

Anyways, I am now 26 and for the past year, my period has been wacky. Sometimes I would get my period for 3 days stop for one then come back for one - this lasted for about 6-8 months. Following these past ones, I had one regular period that last 5 days and ever since that normal period it went back to 3 days stop for one then comes back.

For the last two cycles, my period has been acting REALLY weird... I get my period for 3-4 days, then it stops then it comes back with spotting brown blood for about 4 days...

What is going on? I don't think this is normal AT ALL... and I am praying that it's not anything too serious. I am hoping to conceive in the future.

I am not on any form of birth control at all.

[angel531]

I have seen my MD and I have to get an ultra sound scheduled. When should I schedule my ultra sound during my cycle? Should I schedule it for when I'm ovulating, getting my period, or right before my period? I want to do my ultra sound when it can be most accurate for seeing anything suspicious.
I was tested for thyroid issues around February of this year and my MD doesn't think my hormones could change in a matter of months. Last cycle, I did take an ovulation test and it did say that I was ovulating around the right time I should be. I'm going to do that again this cycle as well.

What do you suggest I do? Should I request another blood test as well as the ultra sound? Or should I just wait until I do my ultra sound?

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hi there,
You need to get evaluated for your irregular cycles. Irregular cycles can lead to ovulatory dysfunction. A woman with irregular ovulation has fewer chances to conceive, since she ovulates less frequently. Irregular ovulation could be an indication of abnormal hormone levels. Stress, PCOD, thyroid disorders are the commonest causes of ovulatory dysfunction. Investigations like thyroid profile, hormonal levels, and ultrasound may be needed. It is best to seek the opinion of a gynecologist. I sincerely hope it helps.
Take care and best regards!