Menstrual Cycle or Miscarriage Symptoms: Your Body

Menstrual cycle or miscarriage symptoms?

Hello, doctor.
I have not been using contraception for six months.
In September, my menstrual cycle was 50 days long, and I experienced severe menstrual pain.
I visited a gynecologist, and both my uterus and ovaries were found to be normal, with no signs of pregnancy.
I usually track my cycle using an app, and my period typically arrives within a week of the predicted date.
This month, my period was also delayed by three days and started on November 4.
A week prior, I began experiencing severe lower back pain, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain.
For the first four days of my period, I had bright red blood with a heavy flow and some clots.
The symptoms I experienced a week ago have persisted, along with dizziness and nausea triggered by strong odors.
On the fifth day, the bleeding turned into a brownish color and decreased significantly in volume, with ongoing lower abdominal pain that was less severe than in the first four days.
I thought my period was ending, but on the fifth day, I started experiencing bright red bleeding again, with no clots and a moderate flow.
Since I believed this was just my period, I did not take a pregnancy test.
I would like to ask the doctor if this situation is a normal menstrual period or if it could indicate a miscarriage.
Should I take a pregnancy test? I am mainly concerned because I have been bleeding for a week and worry that if this is a sign of miscarriage, I might not realize I was pregnant, and I wonder if it would be too late to test for pregnancy now.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/09

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptives, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
It is recommended that if your symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a gynecologist to check for hormonal imbalances or other underlying causes.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2023/11/09

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex situation regarding your menstrual cycle and potential miscarriage symptoms. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

Firstly, it is important to understand that menstrual cycles can vary significantly from month to month, and factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and overall health can influence the timing and symptoms of your period. You mentioned that your last menstrual cycle was 50 days long, which is longer than the typical range of 21 to 35 days. This can sometimes indicate irregularities, but it is not uncommon for women to experience variations in their cycles.

Regarding your recent symptoms, the severe lower back pain, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, and changes in menstrual flow (including the presence of blood clots) can all be associated with menstruation. The first few days of a period often involve heavier bleeding, which can include blood clots, and this is generally considered normal. The transition to lighter, brownish discharge towards the end of your period is also typical as the flow decreases.

However, the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the severe pain and the prolonged duration of bleeding (over a week), raise some concerns. While it is possible that these symptoms are related to your menstrual cycle, they could also indicate other issues, such as hormonal imbalances, fibroids, or even the possibility of a miscarriage if you were unknowingly pregnant.

Given your situation, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test, especially since you have been trying to conceive for the past six months. A home pregnancy test can provide quick results and help clarify whether you might be pregnant. If the test is positive, it would be important to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and the possibility of a miscarriage. If the test is negative and your symptoms persist or worsen, it would also be wise to seek medical advice.

In terms of timing, it is generally safe to take a pregnancy test as soon as you suspect you might be pregnant, even if you are currently bleeding. However, if you are experiencing heavy bleeding or severe pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may align with a normal menstrual cycle, the severity and duration of your symptoms warrant further investigation. Taking a pregnancy test can provide clarity, and consulting with your healthcare provider will ensure that you receive the appropriate care based on your individual circumstances. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential pregnancy and reproductive health issues.

Similar Q&A

Is It Menstruation or Miscarriage? Understanding Your Symptoms

Your menstrual period started in early June and lasted for a week, then you had another period at the end of June. You had sexual intercourse on July 4, July 5, and July 23. On August 7-8, you noticed only a few drops of blood. From August 10 to 17, you experienced abdominal cram...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Nini: The likelihood of a pregnancy test not yielding a result is low. If you are still concerned, a blood test is the most accurate. A blood test can determine whether it is a menstrual period, menstrual irregularity, or a miscarriage due to pregnancy.

Miscarriage or Menstrual Cycle: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps

Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. My last menstrual period was on May 27, and I had unprotected intercourse on June 8. My period did not arrive on June 27, but I experienced mild abdominal pain. On July 4, I bought a pregnancy test, which showed a faint line, but in...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Wei, It appears to be an early pregnancy followed by a miscarriage. Since there were positive results on two pregnancy tests, it is likely an early pregnancy. On July 18, there was a sudden onset of abdominal pain, followed by a heavy menstrual flow with many blood clots, a...

Distinguishing Between Menstruation and Miscarriage: Key Insights

Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how to differentiate between menstruation and miscarriage, as both involve bleeding. My menstrual cycle typically starts on the 5th of each month. There was an instance where my period lasted for 3 days at the beginning of the month, and then I ...

Dr. Mao Yikun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: To determine if there is a pregnancy or miscarriage, it is necessary to first perform a urine test to confirm pregnancy. Generally, a urine test can detect pregnancy about 2-3 weeks after conception, while a blood test can provide results even earlier.

Is It Menstruation or Pregnancy? Understanding Post-Miscarriage Symptoms

Hello, I had a natural miscarriage about a month ago (around 6 weeks gestation), and I had intercourse at the end of the month. It has been about 8-9 days since then. For the past few days, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, but no other symptoms. Yesterday, I felt a ...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. After a miscarriage, the first menstrual period may be delayed and can be irregular. You should consult a physician for an examination. 2. A urine pregnancy test can only provide preliminary information. A definitive diagnosis requires additional ultrasound examination and blo...