Hi Mandy1992,

                             I am pretty much in the same boat as you now, basically stressed and scared to death. I am 37 with 2 kids 5 and 8. I have ALWAYS had regular periods and only ever missed it once or twice in my life, probably in my teens which is not uncommon for the most part. More than 5 years ago I discovered a very tiny little lump near the opening of my vagina, kind of like a pimple under the skin. It was NEVER painful or anything. I never got it checked out which is totally stupid of me looking back now. However, over the past year I started experiencing a little discomfort during sex, otherwise it never hurts. Then approximately 8 months ago I missed my period for 3 months which was EXTREMELY UNUSUAL for me, so I went to the GP and they said maybe I am pregnant or it could be due to stress or other lifestyle changes which I totally doubted. I certainly was not pregnant as I had taken multiple pregnancy tests. The GP also examined my lump and said it was most likely a Bartholin cyst as it had been their for a while. Due to covid everything was postponed. My period did return after 3 months and then stopped again after 2 months. I went to hospital about 6/8 weeks ago when the initial spotting started and they tested for pregnancy which was negative and the doctor used a speculum to look at my cervix but said she could not see where spotting/bleeding was coming from. She said my cervix looked healthy but it wasn't really a thorough exam if you know what I mean. My spotting stopped but it started again, the same brownish sort of discharge for up to 2 weeks. I thought it was my period trying to start but it stopped again after 2 weeks. Then about 3 weeks ago the same spotting started and gradually it started to become heavier and heavier and it was mostly bright red, which alarmed me. I also had about 4 clots the size of a pound/50 pence. I have always had small clots/bad cramping with period since childhood. My spotting for 2 weeks/(period I think 5/6 days sine spotting started which is normal period for me) has now stopped but my MAJOR concern is the little twinges/ dull cramping/backache/leg pain I get now. Sometimes when I go to the bathroom now I see a little brown spotting or watery discharge but other times nothing. I will be going to see the Gynaecologist on Tuesday for exam/further tests. I should point out that I had a smear done in February of this year and it was normal. I have had 3 smears done since 2003 and they were all normal. I am totally freaking out right now. I also recently did bloods and I was told that the GP will call me next week Friday as I might have BORDERLINE HYPOTHYROIDISM, this can also affect my periods. I have loads of symptoms for this for more than 10 years. Please try not to stress out too much as this could all be nothing. So sorry to write such a long letter but I am trying to give as much details as possible. I just feel SO HELPLESS AND DEPRESSED at the moment. I am sure we will be OK.