What causes short periods lasting for three days?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old. Is it normal to have three-day periods, but the third day is just spotting and a red-to-brown color? This has been my new cycle for two months now. Usually, my period cycle is five days. I am also taking Evening Primrose for hormone balancing; I need to take it just for one week; my doctor told me to take it for a month. I have a boyfriend, but we do not do sex, just play, and he does not make withdrawal near my vaginal opening. I am really scared because my tummy is a little bloated after I eat. Please help me to ease my mind.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is completely understandable that you are feeling anxious about these changes in your period. Based on what you have described, a shortened period (three days with spotting on the last day) and a change in flow color can be normal, especially if:

You have recently started taking Evening Primrose oil. This supplement is often used for hormone balance and can sometimes affect your cycle.
Natural hormonal fluctuations – At 21, your hormones can still shift slightly, leading to variations in cycle length and flow.
Stress, diet, or lifestyle changes – Stress, weight fluctuations, or dietary changes can also cause minor disruptions in your menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy risk – Since you have not had penetrative sex and there was no direct ejaculation near your vaginal opening, the chance of pregnancy is extremely low to nonexistent. Sperm needs to enter the vagina for pregnancy to occur, and from what you described, that did not happen.

Why is your tummy bloated?

Hormonal changes – Even minor cycle shifts can cause bloating.
Diet-related bloating – Certain foods (salty, processed, dairy-heavy) can cause temporary bloating.
Gas or digestive issues – If the bloating comes after eating, it might just be due to digestion rather than a reproductive issue.

What you can do:

Continue taking Evening Primrose oil for the full month as advised by your doctor; it can take time to show effects.
Stay hydrated and avoid overly salty foods if bloating bothers you.
Keep track of your cycles using a period tracker app to monitor any further changes.
If your period keeps getting shorter or stops entirely for more than two months, consider seeing your doctor again for a hormone check.

You do not need to worry about pregnancy from what you described, but if it would not give you peace of mind, you could take a home pregnancy test to reassure yourself.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Regards.