It’s been almost 32 months. 32. That is like… nearly three whole years. Without my period, that is. As of Tuesday it is back, and with ferocious force. I am not kidding, it is not funny. And nothing like the two-day spotting in May that I first mistook for a return of Aunt Flo.

Gingivitis and emotional crap

Aunt Flo’s has been preceded by signs, it seems. Only that I was not able to pick up on them as I never had these pre-period symptoms before conceiving Bubsi. You may recall that last week I suffered from an outbreak of gingivitis that saw me visiting the dentist. While he checked my gums out, he asked me whether I noticed a pattern of gingivitis breaking out in tune with my periods. I just gave him a puzzled look, proudly proclaiming that Aunt Flo had not, in fact, returned yet. Questioning my mom later on revealed that her gingivitis gets worse whenever periods are about to occur. Still, I did not make any connection and just took it for an interesting fact that these things can be linked.

On the weekend, then, I was especially moody and grumpy. I have written to you previously about my sometimes crazy mood swings and grumpiness. This time I did not have too much stress, however, so the grumpy sprout seemed unnatural. I suspected it was related to being a little down about my parents’ dog being diagnosed with cancer of the spleen, but then even that seemed far-fetched. Apologies to Papa and Bubsi, though, because my annoyance at anything and everything was probably not that pleasant. Nevertheless, I did not suspect Aunt Flo, as I never had noticeable period problems. No cramps, no pains, no mood swings out of the ordinary. How was I to know that childbirth changes all that? It’s not like they tell you in advance (which really is a shame!).

Hello, Aunt Flo!

So there were signs that went unnoticed. Then, on Tuesday night, the culprit revealed itself. Aunt Flo, back in full force. Or should I say, much more than full force, compared to pre-conception. I am not kidding you, I feel like it’s a miscarriage knowing it cannot be. I am using a moon cup menstruation cup, and I am telling you I need to empty it every 1.5 hours round the clock. Here I thought breastfeeding at night was bad! (Okay, combine night nursing and getting up to visit the loo and figure out how tired I am today). At 4 AM I grabbed my phone and exasperatedly looked for information, right after ordering a menstrual cup with much more capacity (pray, come quick!).

Aunt Flo post-birth

Some early morning research later I am much smarter about post-baby periods. It is normal that the first one is heavier than usual – yey, at least no visit to the Doc! Sadly, it could be that all subsequent periods are this heavy (though it could return to a more moderate flow, too, once the hormones are back in order). What is scary is that the first post-partum visit of Aunt Flo could last me much longer than the average five days I remember: up to three weeks is a real possibility. That would be a real nightmare. As I am still nursing, too, it is possible that this period is just one random occurrence. Potentially, it might take several months break again, or just be erratic in general. Alternatively, it may settle in to a proper rhythm that would see the return of my fertility.

At any rate, I will still ask my doc at my next check-up in November what is to be expected. The internet can drive you crazy. And I will hope for the best.

My mooncup – way too small

How are your periods these days?