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Big TMI period question (let the good times roll!)

Wondering if this warrants a call to the ob/gyn or if it's typical. I have very regular periods. But this cycle, starting with days 17, it looks like I'm either having a light period or heavy spotting. I've had a Paragard IUD for about 3 years now...this hasn't happened before. No pain, just some periodish cramping. And I've been getting migraines, which typically only happen during my period. Also, I'm old. Wondering if this might be the start of some pre-menopause BS.

I will probably end up calling the doctor, but I'm starting with the online sewing circle first. I just would prefer to avoid a bunch of tests that my insurance won't cover, that will make me worry for a few weeks only to find out that I'm fine.

So...experience with this? Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by mcglory13 on May 19, 2011 at 9:04am

Suspect it's just "breakthrough bleeding." Happens sometimes on birth control and means nothing. I am not that kind of doctor though.

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Permalink Reply by mightyninjamom on May 19, 2011 at 9:05am

Eh, it's possible it's pre-menopause stuff. I'm 37 and my cycle is already going haywire. It used to be fairly regular, but not so much any more. I'd say if it continues much longer, you may want to get some medical advice.

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Permalink Reply by MamatothaMax on May 19, 2011 at 9:09am

"This hasn't happened before" makes me think a call to your doctor is warranted. (*tosses two cents down) Wish I could add more but I don't have any experience with IUD's.

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Permalink Reply by StitchyWench on May 19, 2011 at 9:36am

It can be normal to spot when you are ovulating - it happens to me rarely but sometimes. Also, did you have sex shortly before? I rarely spot from sex, but there have been times where it's happened. Other things that sometimes mess me up include allergy meds (Claritin, I don't know why, throws me off schedule sometimes) and antibiotics always!

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Permalink Reply by Floor Pie on May 19, 2011 at 1:47pm

Ha, SW, the fact that I'm not even considering this a possible pregnancy or early miscarriage should answer that question! Also, I have been loading up on Claritin lately. I wonder if that's why?

Thanks for your input, everyone!

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Permalink Reply by Boring User Name on May 25, 2011 at 3:36pm

I had my very regular period start on Day 21, instead of Day 27. this month. I had thought perhaps it was a very early miscarriage or something else. I hadn't even contemplated the pre-menopause possibility. That could hinder any second child thoughts. (And it appears I have very mixed feeling about this.)