Irregular Period (in an ALWAYS regular girl)

[LegalEyes]

Hello all, I'm new here. I've had a few developments since yesterday that have sent me surfing the 'Net looking for answers. They are extremely worrying.

My last period ran from 10/1 to 10/5. It was a day shorter than usual and VERY light. I normally have moderate to heavy periods (1-3 regular or super tampons per day) that last five full days. I skipped the period before that one, and had three negative pregnancy tests between. Yesterday there was a large smear of dark brown blood in my underwear, like old period blood. I never have breakthrough bleeding, ever. Today, the bleeding is worse and the cervical mucus around my NuvaRing is thick and dark brown (almost black). I am very worried, and any help at all would be appreciated. Thank you!

[sourpuss]

You could just be having a heavy period because you skipped one before.
I was regular for 15 years and out of the blue last spring my cycle started doing all kinds of crazy things. Late, heavy, light, skip one, now I'm on to one every two weeks. You just never know.
But I would call your doctor that perscribed the nuva ring for you and tell her what's been going on.

[LegalEyes]

It was prescribed by the County Health Dept, by a nurse practitioner. I talked to a friend with two kids, and she said hers was always like this in the early stages of her pregnancy. My boyfriend (her brother) of two years and I are having problems and I'm stressed about what will happen if I am pregnant. Neither of us want children right now, and we've been trying to be safe.

[LanaBear]

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to stress about it because it can cause your cycle to go all crazy too.

It sounds like it could be old blood, but if you are worried, try getting into the county health nurse.

[LegalEyes]

I'm wondering if it isn't caused by changing over from OCs to the NuvaRing. It's been going on for a few days now. I'm contemplating a change back to the pills, because this is making me feel disgusting.

[LanaBear]

How long has it been since you changed to the NuvaRing?