Resolved question:
I am 21 years old. I have been experiencing a extensive amount of stress over the past 4-5 months. And then even worse other the past two months. These past two months, my periods were on time, but lighter than normal. This month, I made real extra efforts to relieve my stress load. Though massage therapy, relaxation, and time off from work, I pretty suddenly went from extreme extreme stress to feeling much better. So this month, my period started earlier than normal and is lasting much longer than normal as well - about 2 weeks long right now? it's probably just roller coaster of stress I've been on, right?
I really really dislike going to to doctor to be honest, it just kinda leaves me feeling unsettled and violated. I would love to avoid going unless absolutely necessary.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello and thankyou for approaching DoctorSpring with your query.
I have gone through your case and understand your concern.
The irregular period you are having is most likely to be related to stress.
Please can you answer a few questions so that I can give you a better opinion.
1) Do you feel your stress is effecting your daily functioning?
2) Are you having any weight gain?
3) Usually how long are your menstrual cycles and since when have they been irregular, only the last 3 months or earlier?
4) Are you on any contraceptive pills?
Please reply as a follow up and I will guide you accordingly.
Thankyou
Thank you for your response.
1. I certainly feel like the stress is effecting my daily functioning. I'm constantly worrying about all these little things, so I'm just in as good of a mood as I would like. I feel like there is a heavy weight on my chest, figuratively speaking of course.
2. Where I do think I am overweight, I have not really gained any over the past 4-5 months.
3.My periods are normally either about 5-7 days, every 24-27 days. In January and February they were about 5 days, but very light and on point at about 27 days. This month, my period came after about 22 days and is now 13 days long and still going.
4. And no, I have never been on any contraceptive pills.
And to add in the "do you have a history of" suggestions above, I do not have Diabetes or Hypertension. I have never had Surgeries and no not smoke. I do however have allergies and do consume alcohol almost daily.
Hello, thankyou for your reply and the additional information.
You are having prolonged bleeding, which is known as menorrhagia.
It could probably be due to stress resulting in hormonal imbalances assuming there is no chance that you could have got pregnant. Or it could be due to other causes like polycystic ovarian disease or polyp or blood clotting abnormalities.
In your case it is likely to be due to stress causing hormonal imbalances, however I would still advise you to get yourself examined. The reason you should get evaluated is that this excessive blood loss will result in anemia. As a result of the anemia you will begin feeling weak and fatigued. Mostly it will result in mild anemia, but in cases of moderate to severe anemia it can result in shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, headache and lightheaded feeling.
You will require to get the following tests done 1) complete blood count 2) thyroid function tests 3) blood clotting tests 4) pelvic ultrasound.
Depending on the tests results medication will have to be started.
You need not worry, but do get the following tests done.
I hope this has helped.
Thankyou