Brown discharge and very frequent periods

**louise123** · 08-10-2010 03:45 PM

I posted a while ago about having very irregular periods since the age of 11 (am now 26). By irregular I mean they differ in how far apart they are each time (shortest gap was about 4 days and longest 9 weeks), how heavy they are each time (from traces of blood in discharge to fairly heavy), to how long they last (from 5 to 14 days). I've never been on the pill or any other kind of hormonal birth control.

I told my doc bout this recently at age of 26 and she just shrugged and said probs nothing, you dont sound like you are ovulating properly but then she said this didnt sound like anything much and didnt suggest any further tests or that it should be investigated at all.

For last 5 periods, they have consisted of thick dark brown discharge for about 6 days each time, with one day of bright red blood in discharge at very beginning which was very light. My latest period was 5 days of hick brown discharg and so far 4 4 days of normal bright red bleeding. First two periods were two weeks aprt but gap between last three has been only 6 days gap.

Ive never had this thick brown discharge before and only one day of bright red blood that is extremely light. Is dark brown discharge in this pattern my period, im assuming it is, and does it sound anytjing to panic over?
Ive had periods only 6 days apart before, for about 5 periods in a row mabe 4 or 5 years ago, but never this thick dark brown discharge with no proper bright red bleeding........ Anyone else had dark brown discharge instead of a normal period before? and have they ever been this frequent?

This isnt spotting is it? I'd find it very hard to tell spotting from a period given they can differ so much in heaviness and length and when they occur. Worried deep down it could be symptoms of cervical cancer? I've never had a smear test, as up until 2 months ago I hadnt had sex.

I've read that irregular bleeding can be a sign of cervical cancer?

The article went on to define abnormal bleeding as including periods lasting more than 7 days which ive had for the last two periods, as well as numerous times over the years, it also defined it as including more than one period in a month, and again ive had this: theres only been 2 weeks to 1 week between my recent periods, and again ive had them this close together numerous times over the years! Also, im worried maybe what I think are close together periods is actually my period a short gap of a week, spotting and then my period! In addition, I do tend to have quite a bit of discharge but I just always thought this was normal.

Really worried it'l be majorly advanced and could have spread! My doc always sayd Im fine as I dont have any other symptoms of cancer such as extreme tiredness, weighloss, pains etc, but there are loads of stories of cervical cancer with virtually no symptoms!

Is irregular bleeding a symptom of cancer? In the past ive always just assumed it must be a hormonal imbalance but now im kicking myself...

Need reassurance!

**ItsASecret** · 08-10-2010 04:45 PM

Is dark brown discharge in this pattern my period, im assuming it is, and does it sound anytjing to panic over?

Not likely. Brown means old blood, the chunks that decide not to dislodge during a period but instead appear at a later date.

I've read that irregular bleeding can be a sign of cervical cancer?

Yes it is a symptom but it does not mean a person will have cervical cancer just because they have heavy clotting. Having no smear done is fine when you have never been sexually active. Many gynecologists simply will not offer the exam for those who have not yet had sex, it is a rather uncomfortable event to go through. However many will recommend getting them done because cervical cancer does not discriminate and can hit young adults such as yourself...but that does not mean you will get it.

The article went on to define abnormal bleeding as including periods lasting more than 7 days

Abnormal is extremely subjective since every woman will experience a different period each period. The definition of 'abnormal' can also include everything from how many days, amount of clotting, amount of spotting, brown or red blood, pain experienced, amount of bloating, presenting symptoms of PMS or lack there of, as well as frequency and predictability of what day it will occur.

Your period is regulated by hormones. If you want a second opinion I would suggest getting a referral to an endocrinologist instead of your GP.