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

question-icon

What Causes Heavy, Blackish And Thick Menstrual Bleeding?

default
Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016
Question: I came on my period yesterday. it's two weeks early and it's black, heavy and thick. I'm also having a lot more pain than i usually have (cramps etc)
I'm not on the pill or any other medication. My last period was completely normal. A day after my last period ended I did have unprotected sex... is it possible this is a really early miscarriage or am i freaking out over nothing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

I can understand why you would feel stressed over this, but I think the chances of this being a miscarriage are unlikely.

If your periods are regular and around 28 days, then usually about 5 days after the start of the period (day 5 of the cycle), an egg is selected for maturation. But it doesn't mature for another 7 days and women usually ovulate around day 14 of a 28 day cycle. Not always, but this is a pretty good rough guide.

Most likely what's happened this cycle is that you didn't ovulate and so your hormones are not what they normally are. Without ovulation, a period can come early, late, and be heavier or lighter.

Sometimes there can be bleeding at the time of ovulation, from the egg popping off the ovary, and the timing is right for what is happening to you now, but usually this bleeding is not heavy.

I would chalk this up to an anovulatory cycle. A hot water bottle or heating pad can help the cramps, and you can also take ibuprofen (after you have food in your stomach).

While I doubt you were pregnant, it is still risky to have unprotected sex, so you may want to go on the Pill or other form of reliable contraceptive to make sure you won't have to worry.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 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
What Causes Heavy, Blackish And Thick Menstrual Bleeding?

Brief Answer: Some information: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, I can understand why you would feel stressed over this, but I think the chances of this being a miscarriage are unlikely. If your periods are regular and around 28 days, then usually about 5 days after the start of the period (day 5 of the cycle), an egg is selected for maturation. But it doesn't mature for another 7 days and women usually ovulate around day 14 of a 28 day cycle. Not always, but this is a pretty good rough guide. Most likely what's happened this cycle is that you didn't ovulate and so your hormones are not what they normally are. Without ovulation, a period can come early, late, and be heavier or lighter. Sometimes there can be bleeding at the time of ovulation, from the egg popping off the ovary, and the timing is right for what is happening to you now, but usually this bleeding is not heavy. I would chalk this up to an anovulatory cycle. A hot water bottle or heating pad can help the cramps, and you can also take ibuprofen (after you have food in your stomach). While I doubt you were pregnant, it is still risky to have unprotected sex, so you may want to go on the Pill or other form of reliable contraceptive to make sure you won't have to worry. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.