What is 'normal' bleeding during a cycle that used a castor oil pack?

[Nicki17]

Hi I'm new to this network but thought someone might be able to help me.

I have severe endo and usually suffer with pain throughout the month along with any other symptom common with endo.

My cycle average is 28 days and this is fairly usual for me.

I've been TTC naturally for the past couple of months and decided this cycle to try a castor oil pack. I only applied this twice after bleeding and stopped before I got a positive opk which was on the 12th August. I also got a positive opk on the 13th

I dtd on 12th, twice on the 13th, and 14th. 2 days later (16th) I saw the very lightest bit of pink on wiping. At first I thought this was a good sign that I've ovulated. However, I began to lightly spot on the following 2 days but enough to half fill a liner. This then went into the following 6 days (including today) of heavy bleeding. This bleeding was firstly very dark, then brown but has now become red. As of yesterday I have started to pass clots also (sorry TMI).

With a 28 day cycle I am due in 4 days. Have had hardly any pain except intense cramping soon after ovulation which is unlike my normal periods.

I know I'm out this month for a bfp but I wanted to know whether this much bleeding is normal and when you all would count this 'new cycle' starting from as I assume this is my period coming early but I've been bleeding for ages!

Sorry for such a long post and I hope the above makes sense

Thanks

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Nicki17. You you think that the heavy bleeding could just be down to your endometriosis? Usually, you should use the pack every other day throughout your cycle, then stop when you are bleeding. Apart from knowing they work on the lymphatic system, I don't know much about them. i'm sure a couple of endometriosis sufferers will be able to explain it more. Good luck with it all. Diane

[Nicki17 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks for such a quick reply Diane!

I bleed heavily and probably a little longer than the average person due to my endo but I've never had mid cycle bleeding or bleeding this early and for so long ever. I know cycles can change but the bleeding is not even like my usual menstrual bleeding in regards to what it looks like and the lack of pain.

So I assume it is linked to the endo but not the endo alone.

As I've seen the advice is to do the packs after bleeding and to stop when ovulating if actively trying to conceive I could only fit in 2 times to do them.

The positive of the pack has led to my tummy which is bloated and usually looks like I'm 3 months pregnant reducing significantly and noticeably in size, so it hasn't all been bad, just worrying about the amount and length of time of bleeding and when to start new cycle to ttc again

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Nicki17]

Hi Nicki17.. It's obviously working on your lymphatic system, as your tummy is less swollen. Lymph glands job to drain extra fluid away. I think that I would just ride this cycle out, but if you get mid cycle bleeding again, I would see what your GP has to say, or he/she may refer you to a specialist as you are trying to get pregnant. Diane

[Nicki17 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks for the advice! I will do