Period question

OK, so I feel incredibly stupid for even asking this, but I'd rather ask you ladies (under the cloak of anonimity) than call my doctor and ask him and sound like a stupid/crazy person. I *should* know the answer to this question, but I don't.

I'm 38- have had my period for 26 years. I've never had a "normal" cycle so I'm not sure what being "normal" is.
I've been on BC since I was 18. Been on the NuvaRing for the last 6 years. Since being on BC, I've never had a period last more than 3-4 days, and it's never been heavy. Since being on the NuvaRing, I only get a period once every 3-4 months, and then it's only VERY light, lasting *maybe* 3 days max.

I have had my period now for 7 days, and it's kinda heavy, with dull cramps and everything (I never get cramps, either, so that's weird). This is very unusual for my body. It's been 4 months since my last period so although that's not unusual, it's unusual for my period to last more than 3 days max.
Should I be worried that there's something wrong?

I know this sounds SOOO stupid, but you know how you KNOW your body and what's normal for you? This is just so abnormal for me, but I don't know that it's abnormal in general. I've been a lot weaker than normal lately (only ran 1 of the 8 miles I was supposed to run Sunday because I didn't feel like I had much strength), but that also might be due to having my cycle last so much longer than it's used to.

Please tell me if I'm being a ninny/wimp/wuss, etc. I'm sure some of you want to smack me and say "this is what NORMAL people go through every month, lady." I just don't know if I should be concerned or not.
Does this happen with perimenopause? I had my hormone levels checked 3 years ago because of the missing period/low libido thing and it came back as normal.

I guess I can wait another day or two and if it doesn't stop- then call the doctor. I want to make sure I'm not being paranoid that something isn't right. I consult WebMD way too much for my own good, so I try not to rely on that (nobody probably should).:rolleyes:

It doesn't matter what's normal for other people. If you're seeing a change from what is normal for you, you should call your doctor.

It could be nothing -- sometimes things just change or go a bit nuts for a month or two. But it doesn't hurt to make sure it's not serious.

+1 to what the others have said. This is not normal for you, and there is nothing out of line in calling your doctor. When was your last annual? I expect a check up would be a good idea.

Thank you ladies. I guess I kinda knew that I should call, but didn't want to if it was just me being paranoid.

I just had my annual in late February- everything was normal.

This is where having sisters would come in handy (well, I have 5 but we don't speak, sadly). Thanks for being my "virtual" sisters! ;)

I'll call this afternoon.