Is Anyone's AF WAAY Different Than It Used To Be?

patchen30

From the time I got AF (13) until I went on BCP (21) my AF was very heavy (used heavy tampons), lasted about 5-7 days, and had a lot of cramping.  I was on BCP from 21-28, and when I got off at 28 my AFs have been light (on the heaviest days just need normal tampons), last about 2-3 days w/ a lot of spotting, and have little cramping.

I've told multiple REs this and they don't think anything of it.  WTH?

99luftballoons

Mine is.  It was never crazy heavy, but before I went on BCP, I had a few heavy or medium days and a few light days.  Now, I have about 1 light day with spotting the days before and after. Very little cramping, if any. OB and RE haven't been concerned and my progesterone levels (and lining) are fine, so I don't know what to make of it.

Nwlywed07

Mine was always the same every month, right on time, same type of flow, etc. Once I went on the pill (age 19) it became pretty wonky and now that I've been off the pill for a year and 10 months they are all over the place! Sometimes heavy, sometimes light, 3 days to 8 days. My RE didn't seem to think it was a problem either. Just said to use OPK to make sure I was pin pointing O. Weird!

LCS040209

Mine was extremely heavy before BCP - I used to use a tampon with a pad and change it very often. I had horrible cramps as well.

My period was normal on BCP and extremely light since I have been off BCP and TTC. 

butterfly843

I used to have 35-40 day cycles that were pretty heavy, then after my first loss my cycles went to about 30 days and not as heavy. Now after this second loss it seems my body has reset again and back to longer cycles where it seems to be a little heavier and lasting about 5-6 days.

madelyn07

Mine has gotten a lot lighter over the years and shorter as well. I'm not complaining  

gervaisj6

mine has always been short with HORRIFIC cramps the first day and a half, to the point, of vomiting, among other things...

ever since I had my hsg, I just get dull cramps the first half day of my period, and then nothing else...I am happy about that part. 

MrsP71506

patchen30:

From the time I got AF (13) until I went on BCP (21) my AF was very heavy (used heavy tampons), lasted about 5-7 days, and had a lot of cramping.  I was on BCP from 21-28, and when I got off at 28 my AFs have been light (on the heaviest days just need normal tampons), last about 2-3 days w/ a lot of spotting, and have little cramping.

this sounds just like me.  I actually have it on my list of things to talk about at my WTF.  Just wondering if this is normal.  I don't think I have worn a tampon in at least 6 months and even then maybe only for a day and the poof AF is gone. 

It makes figuring out CD 1 very very hard.  I think it's coming because spotting starts and then it goes away in the same day. 

It's been very very weird.  It's funny that you posted this today, because I have actually been thinking about this very subject today. 

Faith722

Mine has gone from 5-6 days in my teens to 3-4 days now. I don't think my cramps have gotten any better. I'm just better at managing the cramping now. I think there was something in TCOYF that discussed these changes being normal.

Ginger71

madelyn07:

Mine has gotten a lot lighter over the years and shorter as well. I'm not complaining  

This...I keep thinking it's early menopause but my FSH is too low for that.......They always tell me it's the hormones and it takes a long time for your body to get back to normal...blah,blah,blah.