QuestionI had my Mirena IUD removed in August after 3 months because of terrible side effects. I had it inserted at 8 weeks post partum. I got my period on the 15th of August, September and October. We are not TTC.
Recently, on November 15th, I started to spot a little when I used the bathroom. I was sure that my period was coming. Normally, once I notice spotting, my period starts almost immediately, or at least by the next day. The next day came and went and no period. I thought I would test the following day if I didn't get my period. My period still hadn't come, so I tested. It was negative.
It is now the 18th, and I am spotting here and there, but nothing like usual. I am not having my normal pre-menstrual symptoms. The only time that I have ever been late was when I was pregnant. When chances occurred due to stress, it always made my period come early, not late. I have also been having infrequent dull pains in my lower right side, but I don't know if it is related.
Should I wait it out, or should I call my doctor on Monday? I'm concerned that something is off with me, but I'm not sure. Any advice would be appreciated.
AnswerHi Melissa!!
After reading your story, I think you should retest for pregnancy. Its very possible, that the HCG in your urine is not strong enough to trigger a positive test result.
I suggest this time, that you do it in the morning when you wake up. Your urine in the morning is more concentrate then the rest of the day. So the HCG hormone will be more prominate in the morning.
I think its possible that you may have tested a little to early. Your symptoms do sound pregnancy related. Spotting, and mild cramping can be an idication of implantaion bleeding, a common pregnancy symptom. Implantation bleeding is usually very light, spotty and its sparadic. It often occurs around the time a lady is due her period, and it lasts about 2-3 days. Its often associated with mild "period like pains." Many ladies mistaken this for a period, thinking its just an irregular period and pregnancy doesnt enter their mind.
So Melissa, there is a possibility that this is a pregnancy related issue. But in saying that, hormonal imbalances can also have the same symptoms as well. Again, stress, illness (flu or cold, physical trama) will also delay a period, as well as weight gain, or weight loss, or dietary changes. All these can absolutely imbalance your hormones delaying periods, or causing spotting. Thyroid imbalances as well, has a direct impact on menstrual cycles as well.
You could most certainly call your doctor on Monday. Even if you do test yourself, your doctor can test your blood by doing an HCG blood test. This is conclusive in diagnosing pregnancy, even if its extremely early. And if the test does come out to be negative, then your doctor can evaluate your symptoms to determine why you are spotting. But I am sure you are fine, you are either pregnant, or your hormones are a little unbalanced. Even if they are unbalanced, for whatever reason, it usually correctes itself on its own.
Hope this is of some help, and if you have any more concerns, please dont hesitate to write back :)
-Kristy
