Irregular Periods: Could It Be a Miscarriage?

Q: Irregular Periods: Could It Be a Miscarriage?

Hello： Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle or bleeding is a good habit. <br>However, if you have not visited a gynecologist for an examination during this entire process, and if there are no relevant medical records, the doctor may not be able to issue a certificate. <br>The

Is it irregular menstruation?

Doctor, I would like to ask about my last menstrual period, which was on June 27 and July 8.
I had sexual intercourse without any protection.
My period did not arrive on July 30, but I experienced mild abdominal pain.
On August 4, I bought a pregnancy test and it showed a faint line.
In the afternoon, I tested again and it was negative.
On August 8, I had a small amount of brown discharge that lasted less than a day.
On August 10, I tested again and it showed positive for pregnancy.
However, the pregnancy test strips I used twice later indicated that I was not pregnant.
On August 13, I suddenly experienced abdominal and lower back pain, followed by a heavy menstrual flow with many blood clots that lasted for more than a day.
The next day, I passed a large clot, and my period continued for 5-6 days.
On August 22, a colleague mentioned that her miscarriage symptoms were similar to mine, and suggested I take a pregnancy test again.
I tested with a home pregnancy test, which showed positive, but today my period has returned.
Could this be due to irregularities in my schedule causing menstrual irregularities, or could I have had a miscarriage without realizing it? I previously had faint lines on the pregnancy tests, which made me wonder if the tests were inaccurate.
Over the past few months, I started a new job and have been working late until after 10 PM, often going to bed very late.
I feel like I can’t get enough sleep and have been experiencing dizziness.
In mid-July, I fainted twice, thinking it was due to lack of sleep.
Do I still need to go to the hospital for an examination? After such a long time, can it still be determined if I had a miscarriage or if my period is just irregular? If the examination does not provide clear results, can it only be concluded that it might be a miscarriage? Can I ask the doctor for a medical certificate?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/04

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle or bleeding is a good habit.
However, if you have not visited a gynecologist for an examination during this entire process, and if there are no relevant medical records, the doctor may not be able to issue a certificate.
There are many factors that can influence irregular menstruation or changes in menstrual regularity, including work, sleep, and stress, as you mentioned.
However, since you have been experiencing recurrent bleeding for over a month, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a gynecologist.
If necessary, medication may be used to help regulate your condition.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2013/09/04

More Info

Understanding irregular periods and potential miscarriages can be quite complex and often requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Based on the timeline and symptoms you've described, it seems that you may have experienced a very early pregnancy followed by a significant menstrual period, which could suggest a miscarriage, but there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the timeline of your menstrual cycle is crucial. You mentioned that your last menstrual period (LMP) was on June 27, and you had unprotected intercourse on July 8. If you have a typical cycle length of around 28 days, your next period would have been expected around July 25. The absence of your period on July 30, along with mild abdominal pain, could indicate a possible pregnancy. The faint positive pregnancy test on August 4 suggests that you may have been pregnant at that time, as the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is typically present in the urine of pregnant individuals.

The subsequent light brown discharge on August 8, which lasted less than a day, could be implantation bleeding or a sign of an early miscarriage. The heavy bleeding and passage of large clots you experienced later could indicate a miscarriage, especially if it was accompanied by significant abdominal pain. It is not uncommon for women to experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles due to various factors, including stress, changes in routine, and hormonal fluctuations.

Regarding your concerns about whether this could be attributed to stress or irregular work hours, it is indeed possible. Stress and lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods. However, the presence of pregnancy tests that initially showed positive results suggests that there was a pregnancy, albeit possibly very early.

As for your question about whether you should see a doctor, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly a blood test to check your hCG levels. This can help determine if you were indeed pregnant and if a miscarriage occurred. Additionally, they can assess your overall health, including any symptoms of anemia or other complications from heavy bleeding.

If you are still experiencing symptoms such as prolonged abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or any other concerning signs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can also offer guidance on managing your menstrual cycle and any lifestyle changes that may help regulate it.

In summary, while it is possible that you experienced a miscarriage, only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis. They can also help you understand your menstrual irregularities and offer support for any emotional or physical distress you may be experiencing. If you need a medical certificate or documentation regarding your situation, your doctor can assist with that as well.

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