Understanding Post-Abortion Bleeding & Irregular Periods

Question
Dear Dr.,
In 2005 I had an abortion using the intravaginal misoprostol method; I was about 1 1/2 months pregnant. I bled heavily (red clotted blood) for one day and the flow normalized after about 1 week. My next period was brownish and clotted but lasted the usual 5 days.  Over the following years to present, my periods are regular (every 28 days) since but is usually brown,chunky and sometimes scanty.  Occasionally, there would be one day of red blood. Recently, I checked my hormonal levels and found that my progesterone was low but estrogen,prolactin, FSH, LH and thyroid function were normal. Pelvic ultrasound was also normal. Gynecologists tell me its normal but I'm concerned; I would like to have a red period. Is there anything I can do? What could be the reason for brown periods? Can you please help me. Thanks

Answer
Dear Fran,
It sounds like the work up of your symptoms is complete, and indicates that there is no problem.  There is nothing to be concerned about. Brown blood simply means that the blood sat in the uterus for a little while before it started to come down.  It doesn't take long for blood to turn brown, as you may know from seeing ordinary bleeding that we see in our every day lives.  Our periods change at different stages of our lives, and it may be that your changes occurred because of the pregnancy itself.  The best thing you can do is to ignore it, and be assured from the tests you took that you are healthy and able to get pregnant when you want to.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City