period change

if you are

what it may mean

skipped period

any woman

stress, rapid weight loss or gain, illness, drugs (certain tranquilizers) may have disrupted cycle

sexually active

pregnancy

using the Pill

Pill brand is too low in estrogen

former Pill user

body hasn't yet adjusted to life off the pill; see doctor if periods don't resume in 3 months

using Norplant, Mini-Pill, or Depo-Provera

common side effect of progestin-only methods of birth control — drug is probably suppressing ovulation as well as period, effect may be prolonged; most common among new users of Norplant and long-term users of Depo-Provera

lighter/shorter
period

any woman

missed ovulation (no egg released from ovary)

sexually active

early pregnancy — some bleeding may occur on implantation; ectopic pregnancy — especially if accompanied by sharp pain on one side

using the Pill

less endometrial build up, a common Pill side-effect

using Norplant, Mini-Pill, or Depo-Provera

common side effect — drug is probably not suppressing ovulation if periods are regular

heavier/longer
period

any woman

fibroids (benign uterine growth)

sexually active

possible miscarriage, esp. if period is late and with severe cramps and clots in blood

an IUD user

device may have irritated the uterine wall — a common IUD side effect

using Norplant, Mini-Pill, or Depo-Provera

longer periods are a common side effect; heavier periods are a less common side effect, but iron supplements or discontinuation may be necessary

new mother

an enlarged uterus, resulting in the accumulation of more lining; a cervix widened by childbirth releases more menstrual fluid at once with less cramping

bleeding/spotting between periods

any woman

stress; an infection, cyst, or polyp of the cervix, vagina, or uterus

a new Pill user

breakthrough bleeding, common in first few months of use, may indicate brand of Pill is not right for user

current Pill user

missed a pill or taken one late

using Norplant, Mini-Pill or Depo-Provera

a common side effect, especially during the first few months of using the Mini-Pill

an IUD user

a local infection or inflammation caused by the device

pregnant

normal hormone fluctuations in first trimester can cause spotting