Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere here and I haven't seen it yet. My girlfriend is 40, and has had a regular period for many years now. This month, however, though she seemed to start on time, only a light discharge began on the first day, and nothing more after that. She has also stated that her breasts were very tender at the time, and that her odour is "bad down there", though I could not tell the difference.
Other factors to take into account: 1.She had had a very stressful day and night before 2.She does not use any contraceptives or have any other sexual partners, and I had a vasectomy two years ago 3.She's just getting over a about of the flu now 4.There's been no weight change, though she has started some regular exercise recently. 5. She uses pantyliners rather than tampons.
She's reluctant to go to the doctor's at this time, so I'm looking for advice from other sources. What I'd really like to know is:
1. What might the problem be?
2. Will retaining her lining inside be harmful to her?

Dshannon, the normal menstrual cycle is about four weeks long. The length of the menstrual period ranges from three to seven days, but is usually consistent. Young women often experience menstrual irregularity, however, some adult women also have irregular cycles. This due to problems in the uterus, ovaries and other factors. Also, women will have irregular periods as they start to get older, they will have little or no periods. Adult women with menstrual irregularity should see their health care provider to rule out disease or other problems.