Menstrual Irregularities: A College Student's Experience

Menstrual irregularities

Hello Doctor, I am a female college student with no sexual experience.
My menstrual period was normal from July 7 to July 11, but after that, I did not have my period.
I consulted traditional Chinese medicine multiple times (and took medication, but it was ineffective).
After finishing the last batch of menstrual-regulating herbal medicine (which lasted about a week), I got my period on October 30.
However, it only lasted for one day, and after taking some herbal supplements to promote smoother menstruation, my period stopped for about four days before returning.
The flow was so light that I only needed to change a sanitary pad once a day (the amount varied, and the blood was bright red).
I initially thought that since I hadn’t had my period for a long time, this time would help expel any retained blood, but it has continued until today, November 18, with only a small amount (I can feel it flowing out).
On November 14, 15, and 16, I had some garlic mushroom chicken soup.
I would like to ask if the herbal medicine and the chicken soup caused my menstrual blood to be expelled more, resulting in a longer duration.
I am worried about potential uterine abnormalities, but aside from the irregular bleeding, I have no other symptoms.
Thank you.

Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/18

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

According to the description, your menstrual cycle and flow are irregular, which may be due to ovulatory disorders or organic lesions.
It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for examination, and this is likely unrelated to food.

Reply Date: 2015/11/18

More Info

Menstrual irregularities can be a source of concern for many women, especially college students who may be experiencing these changes for the first time. Based on your description, it seems you have had a series of unusual menstrual cycles, which can be influenced by various factors including hormonal changes, stress, diet, and lifestyle.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that menstrual cycles can vary significantly among individuals. A typical cycle lasts between 21 to 35 days, and bleeding can last from 2 to 7 days. However, irregularities such as missed periods, prolonged bleeding, or changes in flow can occur for a variety of reasons. In your case, you mentioned that your last normal period was from July 7 to July 11, and you did not menstruate again until October 30. This gap of nearly four months is considered a significant irregularity.

The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbal remedies, such as the "调经" (regulating menstruation) herbs you mentioned, can sometimes help in managing menstrual issues. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it may take time to see results. The fact that you experienced a return of your period after taking these herbs suggests that they may have had some effect on your hormonal balance, but the irregularity in flow and duration you are experiencing now could indicate that your body is still adjusting.

You also mentioned consuming a specific soup (蒜头香菇鸡汤) during your cycle. While a nutritious diet is essential for overall health and can support menstrual health, certain foods can influence hormonal levels and menstrual flow. For instance, foods rich in phytoestrogens (like soy products) or those that promote blood circulation may have an impact on your menstrual cycle. However, it’s unlikely that a single dietary change would cause significant menstrual irregularities.

The color and consistency of menstrual blood can also provide insights into your health. Fresh red blood typically indicates a healthy flow, while darker blood can sometimes suggest older blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus. The fact that you are experiencing varying amounts of flow is not uncommon, especially after a period of irregularity.

It’s understandable to be concerned about potential underlying issues, such as uterine abnormalities or hormonal imbalances. While your symptoms may not currently indicate a serious problem, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, preferably a gynecologist, who can perform a thorough evaluation. This may include a physical examination, blood tests to check hormone levels, and possibly imaging studies like an ultrasound to rule out any structural issues in the uterus or ovaries.

In summary, while your experience with menstrual irregularities can be distressing, it is not uncommon, especially in young women. Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and dietary influences can all play a role. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and seek professional medical advice to ensure that any potential underlying issues are addressed. Keeping a menstrual diary to track your cycles, symptoms, and any lifestyle changes can also be helpful for your healthcare provider in understanding your situation better.

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