Why is my period 16 days long? What could be the reason - #11459
I recently had a breakup and was stressed, using anti depressants. I always have my periods around 40 days. Lastperiod26july. Then august 20. I bled till sep 4. Bleeding reduced day by day. Today white discharge.
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Doctors’ responses
Investigation: CBC TSH Prolactin FSH LH Pelvic ultrasound
At present, no emergency white discharge is likely normal if there is no smell or itching. If discharge becomes foul-smelling/itchy see a gynecologist. If cycles continue to be irregular or bleeding is very prolonged in future, then hormonal evaluation is needed.
Thank you
Greetings Lakshit ! Based on your history, the prolonged menstrual bleeding you experienced (lasting about 16 days) can most likely be explained by a disturbance in the hormonal cycle. Stress, recent emotional changes, and antidepressant medicines are known to affect the hormonal balance and the way the uterus sheds its lining. This can result in periods that are either delayed, heavier, or longer than usual.
Since you also mentioned that your usual cycle length is around 40 days, it suggests that you may already have a tendency towards irregular ovulation (sometimes seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In such cases, periods can occasionally become prolonged or unpredictable.
At this stage, if your bleeding has stopped and you are otherwise well, this episode may settle on its own.
However, it is advisable to: 1. Do a simple urine pregnancy test (to rule out pregnancy-related causes). 2. CBC 3. Thyroid Function Test 4. Serum Prolactin 5. USG Pelvis • Kindly Consider an ultrasound pelvis to assess the ovaries and uterine lining as my suspicion is towards Ovarian pathology. The white discharge is of not much importance currently. However pay attention if it starts to be more profuse or odor changes.
Treatment, if needed, can be given in the form of hormonal regulation or medicines to reduce bleeding, but the exact choice depends on your reports.
For now, please don’t worry excessively — this episode seems most likely related to stress and medication effects on the background of your naturally long cycles. A proper evaluation will help rule out other causes and guide long-term management.
I understand your concern. From what you describe, your usual cycle is about 40 days, but this time your period came earlier on August 20 and the bleeding continued until September 4, gradually reducing. Now you are noticing a white discharge.
Stress and the use of antidepressants can affect your hormonal balance, which may explain both the early onset and the prolonged bleeding. The white discharge you are experiencing now is often a normal part of the cycle, especially after the bleeding has stopped, as long as it is not foul-smelling, associated with itching, or causing discomfort.
At this point, I would recommend you to: • Keep a careful record of your cycles and bleeding pattern. • Continue your antidepressants as prescribed and focus on stress management. • See a doctor if you experience heavy bleeding again (soaking pads frequently), if the cycles remain very irregular, or if the discharge changes character (foul smell, color change, or irritation).
Most likely, this episode is related to stress and medication effects, but if it repeats, it would be a good idea to get a basic check-up including blood tests for thyroid and hormones.
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