Female Issues - Cincinnati,OH

Updated on September 01, 2010
J.G. asks from Cincinnati, OH
11 answers

Just a warning, this is rather detailed and probably TMI, but I'm concerned so I hope you forgive me.

I started my period on the 2nd of this month, well kind of. It started as a brownish, which wasn't alarming because I've seen that before. Then that lasted a couple of days, just spotting. Then it stopped for a couple of days, and then started spotting the brown for a few more days again. Finally, around the 8th, the "real" period came. It was red blood, and normal flow. Anyway, I am still on my period, and it is the 14th.

Before pregnancy, my periods lasted 2-3 days. After pregnancy, they were strange for a few months, but seemed to have leveled out. They've been about 5 days long after pregnancy. My daughter is 6 months old. If I start counting just from when the red blood came, it's not that shocking, but I've been on my period for two weeks now if the brown stuff counts.

Does anyone know what this could mean, or if it is normal?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Well, thanks for the responses! I will just ask my lady doctor. I breastfed for 3 months, and so I'm not sure if that still has something to do with it. Hopefully all is well! I do not want this to be my new normal!!!

Featured Answers

N.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Brown blood is perfectly normal and very common in many women, it's just "old blood" and tends to either precede or follow the red blood. It tends to be light, not heavy. But sometimes it can be "chunky". I know, eww right? It can also make up the majority of the period in some people.

Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that is composed of a liquid called blood plasma and blood cells suspended within the plasma. The blood cells present in blood are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We have red blood, which is bright red when oxygenated, due to hemoglobin.

When the blood breaks down, the oxygen concentration is reduced and the plasma, which is mostly water, by concentration, is released. Therefore, the blood is not as red and not as bright - thus it appears brown.

I had heavy gross periods for about a year after I had my daughter. They were never really the same but they did get better over time.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Have your thyroid checked. Before my hypothyroidism was diagnosed, my periods would be exactly like yours: brown stuff for a few days; 14 day periods.

As soon as I went on thyroid, my periods went to 28 day cycles, and 6 days long.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Topeka on

It probably just means that your body has finally "recovered" from the changes that it was going through for the past year and a half and that this may be your new "normal". I would simply discuss this with your ob/gyn the next time you have an appointment. Keep a diary of your periods, and share it with your Dr. Let him/her be the one to tell you if this is something to be concerned about or not.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Elkhart on

I remember mine doing that but I was also nursing still. So the doctor said that it was normal even though it ws quite disturbing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My ds is 7 mo now (born via c-section) and I'm having the exact same issue. I just had my annual and talked to my doc about it and he said it's just my hormones trying to level out. He said he would be concerned if it stays that way for a year or two. Otherwise just give it some time . Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.A.

answers from Little Rock on

I recent had 2 odd months in a row, one normal month and then another odd month and then back to normal for the last 3 months. During the odd months I would go for 10 days in comparison to my normal 4 days. I would spot for several days, normal for about 2 days and spot for several days. It was really odd. I was scared after the 2 month in a roll that it was going to become my norm but thankfully it is all back to normal again. My youngest is a little over 2 1/2 and my tubes are tied. I too wondered what it was about but never went to the doctor or anything. It straightened it self out so I have put it behind me. I do have a pap smear scheduled in about 2 weeks and if I remember, I will ask my doctor because I am still a little curious about it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi - I had the same thing and was told it was normal. Of course, you should always see your doctor about something "weird" but I don't think you need to be too worried.

It is old blood from your last period, and I also read that it can be caused by your hormones being different. I read that it can indicate that one of your hormone levels is too low which isn't a big deal as far as your health is concerned, but if it doesn't go back to normal, it could mean that you'd have trouble getting pregnant again if you wanted to BUT this is very easily corrected by taking hormones.

For me, the brown stuff (I know, it's totally gross, right??) got to be less and less and closer and closer to the start of my actual period until my periods were mostly back to normal about six months after weaning my son. I would definitely check with your GYN about it just to be safe, but I don't think it's anything you need to be too worried about. I think it is just another one of those adjustments our bodies make after being pregnant. :) Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from Youngstown on

it seems like EVERYTHING is "normal" when it comes to periods!!!

I have been to the ER when I had to change pad and tampon (both for heavy flow) within one hour of when I started using them!!!! They told me it was normal... huh???? lol I absolutely LOVE it when I have a slow light period even if it is for more than 2 weeks!!!!! lol

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

This is just a personal opinion but there are also a couple of questions you didnt answer in your post. Did you Breastfeed? Is this your FIRST period after having your baby. I had my first period 6 months after giving birth (sorry I didnt GIVE birth, i had a C) and my period was similar and the actual RED flow lasted 7 days....and it was HEAVY..so heavy that I needed a tampon and a pad changed every hour. (Gross) it tappered off after 7 days and still lingered on (with panty liners only) for 5 more days. I also had some fierce cramps when it was heavy. So if this sounds like your situation, you are normal. Pre kid, my period was soo wonderful...2 days...3 days MAX and now I am a solid 5-7er AND it comes every 20-25 days...so Sometimes I get it twice a month. I also do not exerise or eat as well as I did before kids (who has the time right?)
If you are really concerned, just give your OBGYN a call and ask the nurse. they shoudl be able to tell you if you need to come in.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from St. Louis on

I had the same problem. I tried orto low dose and it didn't make it better. I told my dr that I couldn't bleed for 2-3 weeks of every month and he put me on the nuva ring. I really didn't want to do it but anything was better than that much bleeding. The dr said that the difference is that the hormone stays constant with the nuva ring and not in the pill.

I still use it 1 1/2 years later. My hubby says he can feel it so I take it out before sex, but other than that it's just fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Columbus on

Are you on birth control? After my second was born I went on birth control and wasn't ever really happy with my periods.... not like anyone ever is! But, they were AT LEAST 7 days and very heavy and crampy. I switched birth control pills after talking to the dr. about this and it's much better. Just an idea :)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions