Menstrual Symptoms: Is It Period or Something Else?

Regarding menstrual issues #138777?

Hello, I am the girl from article #138777.
On August 25th, I noticed small brown spots on my underwear.
Could this be related to my menstrual period? If so, what does it indicate? Then on August 26th, after using the restroom, I noticed a faint blood color on the toilet paper, and my abdominal pain has been increasing.
Can I confirm that this is indeed the start of my menstrual period? Is this not a sign of pregnancy? [I am also experiencing ongoing pain in my abdomen and chest.]

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On August 25th, I noticed small brown spots on my underwear.
Could this be related to my menstrual period? If so, what is it? Answer: Yes, this is related to your menstrual period.
Then on August 26th, after using the restroom, I noticed a faint blood color on the toilet paper, and my abdominal pain has been increasing.
Can I "confirm" that my period has started? Is this not a sign of pregnancy? Answer: This indicates that your period has started, and it is not a sign of pregnancy.
PS: [The abdominal and breast pain has been persistent.]

Reply Date: 2018/08/26

More Info

Understanding menstrual symptoms can be confusing, especially when experiencing unusual signs or discomfort. Based on your description, it seems likely that you are experiencing the onset of your menstrual period. The small brown discharge you noticed on August 25 could be considered "spotting," which is often a precursor to menstruation. This brown color typically indicates older blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus, which is common at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle.

On August 26, when you observed a faint blood color on the toilet paper and began to feel increasing abdominal pain, these symptoms further suggest that your period is starting. Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are common and can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to severe pain. The abdominal pain you are experiencing is likely due to the uterine contractions that occur as your body sheds the uterine lining.

Regarding your concern about pregnancy, if you have had unprotected intercourse and are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test for confirmation. However, if your menstrual cycle is regular and you have not missed a period, the likelihood of pregnancy is lower.
It's also important to note that breast tenderness and abdominal pain can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which many women experience in the days leading up to their period. PMS can include a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and cramps.

If your symptoms are severe or if you experience any unusual changes in your menstrual cycle, such as significantly heavier bleeding, prolonged pain, or any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if there are any underlying conditions that need to be addressed, such as endometriosis or fibroids, which can also cause significant pain and discomfort.

In summary, based on your description, it appears that you are likely experiencing the onset of your menstrual period. However, if you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a good step to ensure your health and well-being.

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