Observational Notations (In Detail)
Describing Menstrual Bleeding
The flow volume of menstrual bleeding is described as H for heavy; M for moderate; L for light, or VL for very light. The flow pattern of healthy menstrual bleeding may follow one the three patterns:Describing Menstrual Bleeding
Whenever bleeding occurs it is described as H – heavy; M – moderate; L – light or VL – very light. The flow pattern of menstrual bleeding may follow any of the three patterns below:
1. H,H,M,L,VL,VL 2. L,M,H,H,M,VL 3. M,H,M,L,VL
The colour of menstrual flow ranges from a wine-red to a bright red to a pinki-brown. On the light and very light days of the flow, the woman makes observations for mucus, notes sensation and describes the colour as brown, or red/pink.
Describing Unusual Bleeding
Breakthrough or withdrawal bleeding are different in character from menstrual bleeding. Women who have used hormonal contraceptives may be familiar with this type of bleeding as it is typical of the bleeding women experience when using hormonal contraceptives. The bloody discharge is black or brown in colour, and thick and sticky or pasty. Its flow tends to be more like spotting and is consistent in volume. Women experiencing this type of bleeding will easily identify it as unusual. There are special instructions for dealing with unusual bleeding (see Chapter 6). It is very important with observations of unusual bleeding that mucus, sensation, and colour be charted; because it may be associated with fertile days. A particular type of unusual bleeding called ovulatory bleeding may appear as a pinkish or brownish colouring of the cervical mucus on or close to Peak Day.
