Period Acting Weirdly

I am 28 and started my period at 14 and it has been reliable since around 16/17. I have no children and don't want any.

In June I missed my period (first time in just under 10 years since I got my first ever one). I wasn't sexually active so I knew I wasn't pregnant. 

My next period was August 3rd (I didn't have one in July either, and for years they have always started between the 1st and 3rd every month.) 

I then missed it again in September, or so I thought after 20 days went by with no period after it was due to start (again, definitely not pregnant) and booked a phone doctor's appointment. 

My appointment was 23rd September. She told me to leave it until my next period due date then call back for an appointment if I needed one.

That night, I started bleeding with slight cramps. As I said earlier, for years my periods have always been at the beginning of the month. I was shocked to find myself bleeding at this time. I'm not even sure if this is a period or unexplained bleeding? 

If I am on my period, then I don't understand why it's so much lighter than usual. Also, before now, I have always needed to take ibuprofen for my cramps, which usually last 2 days, and this time the cramps disappeared after only just under 3 hours.

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I have abnormal cells in my cervix as well as High Risk HPV and the last time I got checked I was told they couldn't access my cervical canal to check my cervix fully and test for abnormal cells. 

What could it be and what should I do?

  • Hi

    ive recently read that quite a lot of women have reported that after having the COVID-19 injection that their periods became erratic. If you had the injection prior to June it may be that. I read that it was not cause for concern and they would settle down.

    I think the fact your writing on here and because you are high risk HPV you are obviously concerned so go back to your GP and have a chat.

    try not to worry because worrying can unsettle your cycle

    hope this helps

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear you are worried about your periods becoming more irregular but i'm afraid no one here can tell you why this might be and I suggest you get back to your doctor if this continues.

    Most women from time to time in their lifetime will miss or notice a change to the timing, duration and heaviness of their cycle.  There can be many reasons for irregular bleeding that is ongoing that you can read more about here but most won't be serious or the result of anything as serious as a cancer, so try not to over think things.

    Hpv and abnormal cells in the cervix don't normally cause symptoms and aren't known to interfere with periods so are unlikely to be related but if you are due cervical screening follow up and are concerned about this do speak to your doctor or practice nurse about this.

    For now I would wait and see if this bleeding settles and see what happens in the next couple of weeks if the bleeding continues to be abnormal or you notice any other changes do contact your GP again. They may wish to send you for some blood tests to see if they can find a reason for this but if not they may arrange more tests or for you to see a gynaecologist.

    Hopefully things will resolve and sort themselves out by themselves but if not do let your doctor know.

    All the best

    Naomi