Stomach Flu + Menstrual Cycle?

**Zelda** · 01-03-2011 09:28 PM

Hello everyone. Some background: I am 20, always have very regular periods. I am on birthcontrol and have been for about 2.5 years now. I last had sex on Dec 16th. We ALWAYS use condoms and I take my pill religiously at the same time each day.

Last week (Dec 27th-Dec29 or 30), I had a stomach flu. I wasn't vomiting, but I barely ate anything, had awful diarrhea, and a high fever (102F). I was due for my period this Sunday, Jan. 2nd. I had some light brown spotting yesterday and today. BARELY any. I only changed my pad once each day, hardly any was visible. Is this my period...?

Is it possible that the flu has cause my cycle to get tripped up? I doubt I am pregnant, but it is possible. I was just curious if the stress of travel (I've been out of town since Dec 17th) and the issue of illness could be messing with my cycle.

Please help?

**LanaBear** · 01-03-2011 09:31 PM

It is very possible the flu tripped you up a bit. I firmly believe if the wind blows wrong it can trip up a cycle.

It sounds like you take the appropriate precautions to prevent pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test, just to know for sure. You may just skip this month all together. If you don't resume a normal cycle in the next month and your pregnancy test is negative, think about getting into the Dr for an exam.

**Zelda** · 01-03-2011 09:36 PM

Thank you, that is sound advice. I'm unsure about how to get a hold of a pregnancy test since I'm visiting my parents without any transportation of my own, but I suppose I could make the attempt. lol Normally I keep a box on hand for emergencies, but obviously I'm not at home presently. If I skip more than twice, I'll definitely get into the doctor.

I was worried all of the diarrhea might affect my pill, but I didn't think it was too big of a deal because I am away from my fiance at the moment. Now I'm worried the illness has caused me to skip the period altogether..

**Zelda** · 01-07-2011 09:39 PM

Sorry to bump my own thread, but I have another question. I have not been able to take a pregnancy test and there is currently no way for me to get to the store on my own (still traveling). Anyway, I found this bit of information online:

"What if my period is very, very light while I'm taking the Pill?

Your period may be so light when you are on the Pill that you may have only a brown smudge on a tampon, pad, or underwear. The hormone doses in the pills are very low. Therefore, not much uterus lining builds up, so very little blood needs to come out each month. If you have not missed any Pills and it is time for you to get your period, and you have used a back-up method when recommended, this counts as your period."
From: http://www.youngwomenshealth/femalehormone1.html

Is this true...? Does anyone have any information that verifies this?