Paragard&28-day cycle&12-day period

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Paragard&28-day cycle&12-day period
5
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 10:09pm

Amazingly, even though I never had regular periods before I was on the pill (took it for a year), now that I'm off it, and just got my second period with the Paragard, I figured out that I'm on a 28-day cycle with a 12-day period. Ick! Is there any chance this will change after the first few months? I have heard that the bleeding/cramping will lighten up, but will it actually shorten in days as well? A lot of it is spotting before and after, which I count as it is continuous. The actual period was maybe 8/9 days last month if I remember.

Near the end of my taking the pill I also got 11-12 day periods...this may be because I am on a medication (Topamax) for migraines. I thought this was just interfering with the pill effectiveness though, so probably just a coincidence the periods are still the same length.

Sorry for ranting, just wondering if anyone had insight if I'm destined to have my period for almost half the month, or if it can change. Thanks!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 10:41am

Hi tortoisegirl, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2003
Sat, 09-30-2006 - 11:34am

Hi Tortoisegirl,

How distressing. Jill probably gave the best answer re. the Topamax. I don't have an answer for you but wanted to respond since we both got our Paragards at about the same time. I just finished my first period with the Paragard. Prior to the IUD, I was on the pill and my period was very light and perhaps 5 days long. On this first IUD period, I was expecting a ghastly experience, but my IUD period was again only 5 days long, but with heavier bleeding the first 3 days.

No cramping this time around either. How was your cramping on your period with the IUD?
Perhaps our initial IUD periods are similar to what they were on the pill, because our systems are adjusting to doing it ourselves. I don't know what to expect for the future.

Sorry that I can't be of help with your direct question, just thought i'd say 'hi'.

fuchsia

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 8:50am

Hey girl! I never had cramps before I got the IUD, but these aren't too bad--I had them for a few days before my period, and for the first few days of my period. Not bad enough to need pain meds or anything--just enough to notice. Have had back pain that I'm trying to figure out if it was period related or migraine related, but I think it is migraine related because I've had it for too long before and after. It looks like my period may actually end early this time--I've had it for 8 days and it is winding down. Very happy. =)

I'm thinking I still had some hormones in my body for the first period and that was messing with my system, so maybe my periods will be shorter from now on. I've read more that Topamax will mess with your period when you are on the pill, but not your natural cycle--not too much literature on either though. I'll have to wait and see. I'm pleased with my IUD decision even if I did have a period that length. It's really the only bad thing about the device right now. The flow I get with it is crazy, but still expecting that to decrease in the next few months too.

Thank you for the replies!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 8:21pm

When I used Paragard my periods came suprisingly regularly as well (and I am not regular without bcp as a general rule) and were at least 8 days long, but that counts the light/spotting days. There were always a couple of those on the front and back and a good 3-4 days of HEAVY massive bleeding in the middle. I had Paragard for 8 months and it never changed from that.


Good luck

 Jenn 

Mommy to Megan 1/20/01 & Sean 11/11/03

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2005
Tue, 10-03-2006 - 10:33am
thanks for the info!
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