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Menstrual Cramps but no Period
libra721 posted:
I am 30 years old and I have always had irregular periods, I normally begin my next period 1 1/2 to 2 months after my previous one ends. I didn't have cramping until a couple years ago and it's always been super mild and I would get them only on the day my period starts, usually I start to feel the cramping and within an half hour there's my period. My last period was mid June, it is now August 6th, still no period, which is in my normal range, but I started cramping a couple days ago followed by white/clear discharge. Looking it up online, a lot of people say those are symptoms of pregnancy. My husband and I always use protection but I took a test anyways, protection is never a guarantee, and it was negative. Not sure what to do, these cramps are the worst I've ever had.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Menstrual Cramps but no PeriodI am 30 years old and I have always had irregular periods, I normally begin my next period 1 1/2 to 2 months after my previous one ends. I didn't have cramping until a couple years ago and it's always been super mild and I would get them only on the day my period starts, usually I start to feel the cramping and within an half hour there's my period. My last period was mid June, it is now August 6th, still no period, which is in my normal range, but I started cramping a couple days ago followed by white/clear discharge. Looking it up online, a lot of people say those are symptoms of pregnancy. My husband and I always use protection but I took a test anyways, protection is never a guarantee, and it was negative. Not sure what to do, these cramps are the worst I've ever had.
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear libra: The most common reason for a menstrual pattern like you have described is not having an ovulation every month. In a normal cycle, estrogen is produced all month. Estrogen is responsible for building up the lining of your uterus so you have something to shed each month. The good news is that you have enough estrogen to make a lining that does shed.
In a normal cycle, progesterone production increases following ovulation and release of an egg.. Progesterone "stabilizes" the uterine lining in preparation for a possible implantation of a new pregnancy. If you are not pregnant that month the levels of estrogen and progesterone fall, triggering the release of the uterine lining—your period.
So, if you do not ovulate, the estrogen build up of the lining continues, but without the usual ovulation associated progesterone. Thus, the hormone levels don't decline, and the lining stays up inside the uterus—your missed/late period.
Alternatively, a thickened lining can begin to shed under its own weight,sometimes even producing a kind of regular bleed.
There can be many causes for missed or irregular ovulations: thyroid problems, pituitary problems, ovarian cysts, physical stressors (eg sudden increases in exercise, crash dieting), emotional stressors (problems with spouse, money), increased body weight, anorexia, rotating shifts at work, etc.
In terms of the current cramping your MIGHT have an ovarian cyst. These can produce pelvic pain and interfere with ovulations. Another possibility might be an ovulation as some women will have marked cramps accompanied by a clear, stretchy (egg white type) of vaginal discharge.
You did absolutely the right thing in ruling out pregnancy first. If the pain continues beyond 72 hours or escalates you should see your GYN. They can rule out an ovarian cyst with an in office ultrasound.
Yours,
Jane
In a normal cycle, progesterone production increases following ovulation and release of an egg.. Progesterone "stabilizes" the uterine lining in preparation for a possible implantation of a new pregnancy. If you are not pregnant that month the levels of estrogen and progesterone fall, triggering the release of the uterine lining—your period.
So, if you do not ovulate, the estrogen build up of the lining continues, but without the usual ovulation associated progesterone. Thus, the hormone levels don't decline, and the lining stays up inside the uterus—your missed/late period.
Alternatively, a thickened lining can begin to shed under its own weight,sometimes even producing a kind of regular bleed.
There can be many causes for missed or irregular ovulations: thyroid problems, pituitary problems, ovarian cysts, physical stressors (eg sudden increases in exercise, crash dieting), emotional stressors (problems with spouse, money), increased body weight, anorexia, rotating shifts at work, etc.
In terms of the current cramping your MIGHT have an ovarian cyst. These can produce pelvic pain and interfere with ovulations. Another possibility might be an ovulation as some women will have marked cramps accompanied by a clear, stretchy (egg white type) of vaginal discharge.
You did absolutely the right thing in ruling out pregnancy first. If the pain continues beyond 72 hours or escalates you should see your GYN. They can rule out an ovarian cyst with an in office ultrasound.
Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Menstrual Cramps but no PeriodDear libra: The most common reason for a menstrual pattern like you have described is not having an ovulation every month. In a normal cycle, estrogen is produced all month. Estrogen is responsible for building up the lining of your uterus so you have something to shed each month. The good news is that you have enough estrogen to make a lining that does shed. <br /><br />In a normal cycle, progesterone production increases following ovulation and release of an egg.. Progesterone "stabilizes" the uterine lining in preparation for a possible implantation of a new pregnancy. If you are not pregnant that month the levels of estrogen and progesterone fall, triggering the release of the uterine lining—your period. <br /><br />So, if you do not ovulate, the estrogen build up of the lining continues, but without the usual ovulation associated progesterone. Thus, the hormone levels don't decline, and the lining stays up inside the uterus—your missed/late period. <br />Alternatively, a thickened lining can begin to shed under its own weight,sometimes even producing a kind of regular bleed.<br /><br />There can be many causes for missed or irregular ovulations: thyroid problems, pituitary problems, ovarian cysts, physical stressors (eg sudden increases in exercise, crash dieting), emotional stressors (problems with spouse, money), increased body weight, anorexia, rotating shifts at work, etc.<br /><br />In terms of the current cramping your MIGHT have an ovarian cyst. These can produce pelvic pain and interfere with ovulations. Another possibility might be an ovulation as some women will have marked cramps accompanied by a clear, stretchy (egg white type) of vaginal discharge.<br /><br />You did absolutely the right thing in ruling out pregnancy first. If the pain continues beyond 72 hours or escalates you should see your GYN. They can rule out an ovarian cyst with an in office ultrasound.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
