Bleeding for 12 days???

[musicgirl92]

I've had my period for 6 years, and it's been constant for 4 years. I normally bleed heavily for the first 3-4 days, and normally feel very bad right when I start (due to endometriosis), so I always know I started. Normally my cycle is 30-32 days. This month something different is happening. Around day 17 of my cycle I started noticing some blood in my discharge. I would only notice it when I would wipe after going to the bathroom, and it was on and off for about about 4 days.  It stopped for 3 days, and started again.  It did that for 3 more days.  On day 27 of my cycle I started to bleed all day, and I thought this was probably my period, but I wasn't sure since it was so light.  I've been bleeding all day for 12 days now.  It's really light bleeding, and that is something that makes me unsure if this is really my period or not.  I also wasn't sure because I've had no hurting at all.  Normally a lot of pain, and I have some pain medication that I take to make things bearable.  This time I haven't had to take anything at all, and the only pain I had was a little bit of cramping, but it only lasted 5 minutes.  I had my last gyn appointment in April, and everything was fine then.  I do not know what is going on with this though.  I'm going on vacation in less than a week, and I would really like for this to be fixed before then.  Not because it's painful, but because it makes me a little worried.  I'm not on any medications, not on birth control, not sexually active, haven't changed eating or exercising habits, and basically nothing in my life has changed.  I do not know how long I should allow myself to bleed before I do something.  I thought today I would stop because I wasn't bleeding last night when I went to bed, and wasn't bleeding when I woke up, but it started about an hour after I woke up and has been going all day.  Is this period maybe longer because it's been so light?  What could cause this?  

[91becca]

Sometimes it is okay for things like this to happen, just for random hormonal or stress related reasons, like Greenlydia said.

Things like that for me were the starting signs of my endometriosis. My doctor's next step was to increase my pill, which actually gave me more oestrogen and fed my endometriosis more and I bled for a total of 5 months. So definately see your gyno. If it stops before your vacation, then no hurry, just get ask about it when you get back as there's not much they're gonna do at this point except tests or 'wait n see' anyway.

[musicgirl92]

I will if it keeps going.  I'm not bleeding as much today though, so if I'm lucky and it stops I probably won't worry about it.

[RubyWitch]

I do hope you call your gyno before your trip and at least discuss this on the phone with her. It will probably put your mind at ease so you can enjoy your vacation.
Peace
Greenlydia

[musicgirl92]

Thank you for your response.  Just wanted to clarify that the two years my period wasn't consistant was the first two years.  After those first two years, it was consistant.  I haven't had any periods similar to this which is why I didn't bring this up to my gyno.

[RubyWitch]

I could offer up some possibilities, but you need answers, not guesses. You said you got your periods 6 years and for four of those years it was pretty consistant, So what has been happening in the past two years? Have you had other periods similar to the one you're having now? You said you saw your gyno in April and he/she said everything was fine. Did you discuss the changes then? For the vast majority of women, our periods do take some bizzae twists and turns over the years and it's always best to let your gyno know. An out of character period could possibly indicate something is wrong. More often it's just messing with our heads, our plans, and our underpants! You are going away soon on vacation and I also believe you should have this checked out before you go. 12 days is a rather long time to bleed and if there is sufficient blood being expelled, you could become anemic. I suggest you call your gyno ASAP and request an emergency appointment. This could be and probably is nothing to be overly concerned about, but not to scare you, it could be an indication that something is wrong. Your health and your life are far more important than a vacation. See your doctor.
Peace
Greenlydia