AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question Hi,
I'm almost 22 years old and have been taking birth control pills since I was 16. I take the pills everyday at the same time, give or take an hour or two and I am pretty good about doing so. My period is almost always regular and on time.
Last week, my period only lasted 1 day and it was extremely light. I used a tampon in the morning and was out until afternoon. When I took it out, the bleeding was done. This worries me because I had no sudden change in birth control pills, I am not stressed out, and I ALWAYS have regular periods. I am a regular smoker since 17 and lately, I have been drinking alcohol almost every night for about 2 weeks. Was my period so irregular because I have been drinking/partying too much? Or is there a possibility I can be pregnant?
Thank you so much in advance.
Answer Dear Victoria,
Alcohol may interfere with the hormonal balance and reproductive function either directly, by activating or inhibiting the actual production and/or release of hormones, or indirectly, by changing liver metabolism of the hormones. There have been a plethora of studies about the effect of alcohol on the menstrual cycle, but most researchers agree that alcohol does influence the circulation and levels of sex hormones. Because the menstrual cycle depends upon the delicate rhythmical balance of these hormones, it is not a far reach to conclude then that unusual or sudden increased alcohol consumption, such as you describe, could very well lead to an alteration in your menstrual pattern.
However, if you had any encounters that you are concerned about or if you continue to worry or develop symptoms of early pregnancy, go ahead and wait another 7-10 days and test for pregnancy. Make sure when/if you test that you use 1st morning urine for the most accurate results.
I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.
