Irregular Periods: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Question
Hello. I'm 24 years old and have had normal periods. I have 3 children, the youngest being 16 months and still nursing. In 11/05 I started getting my period again and it was normal... December was on time and normal, then in Januray my period was 4-5 days late and extremely light. Like spotting for CD 1, Light (2 pads all day) for day 2-3, and spotting for CD 4,5. Usually my flow is heavy and for 7 days (except the last day or two it will be just spotting). NONETHELESS, it was strange. I took a pg test at the end of the period just to be sure and it was negative. (It started Feb. 1) So now it is 2/19 and yesterday and today I had spotting. Yesterday was brown blood, some red and one pad all day long was needed. Today nothing on the pad, only when wiped. We had sex the 15 & 16 and am wondering what is up with my body. All of a sudden my nipples are red and sore too, which may or may not be related as my daughter may just be biting me? (but this started two days ago too about the same time as the spotting my milk is a tiny bit thicker than normal too)

So what is up with my body?  

Answer
It sounds like some hormonal imbalance, or it could be due to your nursing. It is normal to have weird periods when you start to get them again after a delivery. As long as you get a period, it does not matter how long it is or if it is light or heavy. If you miss a period completely, wait an additional week and take a pregnancy test. Keep a record of all your bleeding or spotting so you can show this record to your doctor in order to figure this all out. If your cycle does not get back to normal soon, make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the problem.