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Thread: Shortened menstrual flow

  1. #1
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
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    Default Shortened menstrual flow

    I've done some searching and can't find much at all on this, so maybe some folks here have some ideas or info for me. Over the years my periods have become shorter and shorter, until this time was only 2 days. When I first started they would last at least a week and were extremely heavy. Extremely. They gradually reduced to something more manageable and to only 5-7 days in length. Then to 4-5 days, then to about 4, maybe 3. This one was only 2 full days. Anyone have any idea what causes such a reduction? They are regular, just about like clockwork, so timing isn't a concern. It's how long the flow lasts.

    There is some info about a condition that involves shortened cycles, where the full cycle is less than 3 weeks from one period to the next and often includes reduced flow, but that's not my case. It comes every 4 weeks as usual, I just bleed less and less each time. I'm starting to wonder if it's some early menopause stuff 2 days just seems awfully short. Not that I mind the symptom, but it makes me wonder if the cause is something I should be concerned about....

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  2. #2
    Cally
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    My periods used to last a week and be super heavy... now they are only 2 maybe 3 days tops.. first day super heavy and I cant get out of bed cuz im in so much pain, the next day or two they are light and then gone. I asked my doc and he said its nothing to worry about so I dunno..

  3. #3
    madmaxine
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    Have you been on the Pill? That shortened mine, for good.

    Um, it could be that your reproductive system is "slowing down"..maybe not as drastic as early menopause, but some women are more fertile than others. I suggest a lot of Internet research & a talk with a gynocologist.

    (PS It could be from "stress," too, if this is a very recent development.)

    (PPS It could also be from working out a lot...some women's bodies reduce or stop menstruating when they drop to a certain low percentage of body fat.)

  4. #4
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    I WAS on the ring for a few months, but we switched back to other bc methods in the last few months because of the difficulty getting the ring in Phoenix. I was thinking of going back on the ring again now that we've moved - hoping it will be a bit easier to get here....

    I have been exercising less lately.

    The reduction has been very gradual over the past 17 years since first starting menstruation. I was just thinking, geez, it's down to only 2 days now?? WTF?? In the past year it was 3-4 days, and the last few months may have only been 3, so this is not a huge recent change.

    I have done quite a bit of internet research and don't come up with much. The related reproductive slowdown symptoms I found are all described as cycle irregularity, as in a change in amount of time between periods, which I am not experiencing. You could almost set your watch by my cycles, even still. (They were NOT regular in the early years but did become predictable later).

    But since I can't find much referring to a reduction in flow, with no other noticeable symptoms, and I am 33 now, I kinda feel like it might be hormonal changes, reduced fertility and such. Which of course sucks because I'm just getting engaged and thinking of a kid or two in the next couple years....

    Stress, perhaps, but I've been really happy lately. I was on the job hunt recently and just landed a job this week, and while I have fun job hunting in a weird sort of way, I'd rather just have a JOB. Nothing else bad going on really. There has been the move, but anyone who knows me knows I like to move. Yeah, I know.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  5. #5
    aussiepunkshocker
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    Quote Originally Posted by Bridgette
    There is some info about a condition that involves shortened cycles, where the full cycle is less than 3 weeks from one period to the next and often includes reduced flow...
    Hey, do you know the name of this? Since I started getting periods in the early 80's they have always been odd. I bleed for 2 days, then I miss a day then I bleed very lightly for another 2 days or less and thats it. The cycle is about 3 weeks apart if Im lucky. No-ones ever been able to tell me why. I cant say it really bothers me except that Id like the cycle to be further appart! A few drs said it would probably change after I had a child, but it didn't.

  6. #6
    madmaxine
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    I wouldn't worry about fertility. I suggest asking female relatives (grandmothers, mom, aunt, sister, cousin) about their reproductive histories....there are patterns. That might help you more than anything.
    Being hyperfertile is no sweet deal- my early fertility caused my current "subfertility." I also know a woman who was so fertile Pills didn't work for her & she had a healthy baby at 40...when she thought she couldn't get pregant AGAIN.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    The same thing happened to me, too. It has been gradual, like you...and my doc said not to worry...as long as I am not in pain and at least have my period every month, that it's just hormonal and all.

    I don't think it's a menopausal thing...but, I don't know.

    Hope you find out...

  8. #8
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    Aussie, I can't find the term you're asking about again; I went through a lot of sites and info. But the most detailed info I found was on this site:

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    God/dess Lena's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    I wouldn't worry about it, B. It *could* be working up to early menopause, but I think it's also pretty normal. Since I've been using accupressure to manage my period mine's gone from 5 days to 3, with the first one really heavy.

    If you're worried about early menopause and you want to stave it off with accupressure Woman Heal Thyself is a great book.

    Lena



  10. #10
    aussiepunkshocker
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    Default Re: Shortened menstrual flow

    Thanks Bridgette! (-:

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