Does having period-like symptoms without normal menstrual bleeding indicate PCOS or thyroid dysfunction?

Hi doctor,

I am 22 years old, and I weigh 277 pounds. I think I may have PCOS or thyroid dysfunction. I started having menstrual issues two months back, where I would have period-like symptoms, and there would be blood or blood clots in my vagina. However, there will be no bleeding like in a normal period. The vaginal spots are fresh red blood. Sometimes they appear brown if it oxidizes. I still have period-like symptoms such as tender breasts, back pain, cramps, and hormonal acne. There is even blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. But there is no blood on my pads or in the toilet when I use the bathroom. In addition, I have gained weight in the last two months. My weight has increased from 265 pounds to 277 to 278 pounds recently. I have also been very moody and crave processed carbs a lot.

I had missed a period six months back. After that, I had a normal period. After that, I had irregular periods until I became sexually active at 18. The only person who has had cervical cancer in my family was my great-grandmother. So everything about this issue acts as a normal period, but there is no bleeding. What could be the reason?

Please help.

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

No, I have not gotten a Pap smear done. I plan to get one next month. And the last time I had a normal period was between the 19th to 26th, two months back. It was much heavier than my usual periods. After that, I did not have a regular period. However, last week, I experienced the same pattern of spotting. It lasted six days, like my regular period, and I had period-like symptoms such as tender breasts, backaches, and mild cramping.

However, this week, I started bleeding again, but the bleeding was more than I had experienced in the previous months. I currently experience severe painful cramps and prominent period or hormonal-related symptoms. Yet it is still not bleeding. Why?

Please help.