HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Had Heavy Periods With Cramps. Did Not Last For Days. Matter Of Concern?

default
Posted on Thu, 13 Jun 2013
Question: hello, i got my period properly on 21st may really heavy and bad cramps, had them yesterday aswell and they have gone today which i find strange as i normally would have them at least 5 days should i be concerned
doctor
Answered by Dr. Achuo Ascensius (2 hours later)
Hello,
thanks for the query,

It is not uncommon to occasionally have some irregularity in one's menstrual cycle. Such irregularity could be a decrease or increase in the number of days of menstrual flow, a delay or an early menses for a couple of days say 2 to 5 days, change in quantity etc.

Though not uncommon to have these occasionally, prompt investigation ought to be done before concluding on an occasional irregularity.

There are two conditions that must be ruled out;
1. Infections
2. Pregnancy

Infections generally present with cramping and discharges prior and after menses. The discharges generally have a fowl smell and with a dirty or greenish or yellowish coloration.

Pregnancy conditions could range from a miscarriage to ectopic pregnancies. In women who are sexually active, a pregnancy test is imperative to rule out any pregnancy related cause.

So, practically, you will have to do a pregnancy test if you have had unprotected intercourse in the past month or two. If its positive, then you will need to rapidly do an ultrasound. If its negative then that will exclude pregnancy related conditions.

Secondly, if the pregnancy test is negative, you will have to do a vaginal smear for microscopy, and gram staining and to do test such as chlamydia, ureaplasma etc for possible infections. If all is negative and there is no persistent bleeding, we will wait until next menses to see if it persist.

If it does not persist, that will be fine but if it does, further evaluation will be done.

Hope this answers your query. If you have further query, i will be ready to help.
Best regards
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Achuo Ascensius

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1040 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Had Heavy Periods With Cramps. Did Not Last For Days. Matter Of Concern?

Hello,
thanks for the query,

It is not uncommon to occasionally have some irregularity in one's menstrual cycle. Such irregularity could be a decrease or increase in the number of days of menstrual flow, a delay or an early menses for a couple of days say 2 to 5 days, change in quantity etc.

Though not uncommon to have these occasionally, prompt investigation ought to be done before concluding on an occasional irregularity.

There are two conditions that must be ruled out;
1. Infections
2. Pregnancy

Infections generally present with cramping and discharges prior and after menses. The discharges generally have a fowl smell and with a dirty or greenish or yellowish coloration.

Pregnancy conditions could range from a miscarriage to ectopic pregnancies. In women who are sexually active, a pregnancy test is imperative to rule out any pregnancy related cause.

So, practically, you will have to do a pregnancy test if you have had unprotected intercourse in the past month or two. If its positive, then you will need to rapidly do an ultrasound. If its negative then that will exclude pregnancy related conditions.

Secondly, if the pregnancy test is negative, you will have to do a vaginal smear for microscopy, and gram staining and to do test such as chlamydia, ureaplasma etc for possible infections. If all is negative and there is no persistent bleeding, we will wait until next menses to see if it persist.

If it does not persist, that will be fine but if it does, further evaluation will be done.

Hope this answers your query. If you have further query, i will be ready to help.
Best regards