Did Miscarriage Affect Cycle?
Question
I had a miscarriage a few months ago. My menstrual cycle has not been regular since this event and I am becoming concerned. I have experienced heavy clotting, extreme cramping for 2-3 days, and longer cycles. This month (December), my cycle began 1 week early; the bleeding lasted about 7 days. I am on cycle day 12 now and I have been experiencing a dark brown discharge ever since the bleeding stopped. Should I be concerned, or should this menstrual activity be expected after a miscarriage?
Thanks, Katrina
Answer
Last Updated: July 24, 2013
Without knowing more of your history, I cannot give you a specific answer. Did your medical provider check serial HCG levels to be sure that the miscarriage was “completed?”
If you did not have a documented HCG level of zero yet, I recommend that the levels be done to be sure they continually fall and reach zero.
Assuming the level has gone to zero, since it is not quite three months since your miscarriage it can be expected that your cycles will still not be back to normal. If the symptoms are quite bothersome, if the bleeding is heavy or if things are not back to normal in 1-2 months you should make an appointment to be evaluated.
On another note, especially if this is your second miscarriage or if you have had any trouble with infertility, you may wish to begin charting your mucus cycles with one of the methods of natural family planning. You may also wish to see a medical provider trained in NaProTechnology. The charting and the NaProTechnology approach can detect problems in your reproductive system that may have contributed to the miscarriage.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
If you did not have a documented HCG level of zero yet, I recommend that the levels be done to be sure they continually fall and reach zero.
Assuming the level has gone to zero, since it is not quite three months since your miscarriage it can be expected that your cycles will still not be back to normal. If the symptoms are quite bothersome, if the bleeding is heavy or if things are not back to normal in 1-2 months you should make an appointment to be evaluated.
On another note, especially if this is your second miscarriage or if you have had any trouble with infertility, you may wish to begin charting your mucus cycles with one of the methods of natural family planning. You may also wish to see a medical provider trained in NaProTechnology. The charting and the NaProTechnology approach can detect problems in your reproductive system that may have contributed to the miscarriage.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology.
