Q&A: Periods

PERIODS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Irregular periods / brown menstrual fluid

My period is brown instead of red. I'm a virgin, I've never had sex so it's not possible that I'm pregnant. I'm thirteen years old and I don't understand why my period is like this. I don't even know if it's my period. I don't really keep up with my periods because they don't come on regular basis.

I am almost 15 and have never really had a steady period. I got it when I was 12 and it went away for six months. Then, when I got it again it was an odd texture and brown. It skipped a month and I got it again. It has only been steady for about two months at a time. Is something wrong? I don't want to say anything to my parents. Will it get more consistent as time goes on? Sometimes it may seem as though I am getting it and then it goes away after a 1/2 a day or so. Please help me. Any information at all would be greatly appreciated!

Irregular periods are quite normal for young women. The pattern you describe is very normal. It will get more consistent as time goes on. Brown color is normal too. If you get heavy bleeding with large clots and pain tell your mother--this type of period is more worrisome.

There is a wide range of what's normal for women's periods. It can sometimes take a year or so when a young woman starts having her period for it to become regular. If it's been almost 3 years since your first period and they are still not coming on a regular basis, it's important to visit a doctor to find out if there is anything that needs medical attention. Some women take a medication for a while that helps regulate their period.

Talking to your parents is especially important with this matter. If you feel like you can't talk to them, try starting with another trusted family member who can help you find the help you need.

Your period may regulate itself on its own, or it may not. Seeing a doctor or going to family planning may save you some time worrying and help you find out what's going on with your body.

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PERIOD QUESTIONS

No period yet...

I am 14 years old turning 15 this year and I havn't gotten my period yet. I have heard that it is possible not to ever get your period and I am worried that that could happen to me. Is it possible not to ever get your period and if so what is the cause of this and how can it be fixed?

Not to worry. Your period will probably show up any day now! While the average age of first period is 12, many girls (particularly athletes who train hard) start their periods when they're older. If you are a healthy eater and are noticing other signs of hormonally-caused changes such as developing breasts and getting pubic hair, then you should expect to see your period by the time you're 16.

On the other hand, if you haven't noticed ANY change in your breasts and don't have any armpit or pubic hair, it would be a good idea to check in with your doctor now to do a physical exam and some hormonal checks.

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Went off pill, no period after unprotected sex

I was on the pill for 7 months and have just got off it. Me and my boyfriend have been having unprotected sex for a month...he has been pullling out. I'm now 5 days late of my period and I think i may be pregnant.

Take a home pregnancy test or visit your local family planning center. You need to be put back on a reliable form of birth control. If you ARE pregnant, then family planning can inform you of your options. Take care.

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Pain and discharge

I am 17 and have had my period since I was 13. I stopped having regular periods but was still getting them. In the last 3 months I haven't gotten my period at all. But for the past 3 weeks I have had pain in my lower right abdomen and brown discharge that won't stop coming out. It isn't heavy but it hasn't stopped for about 3 weeks.

This is NOT normal. You need to see your provider or family planning AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Call and tell them it is urgent!

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Period won't come!

I am 19 years old and sexually active. I have always used protection since I started being sexually active. My periods have never been normal and I never really know when I'm going to get them.

My last period was about a month and a half ago, and it was a brownish red color and very light. I already took a pregnancy test about a week and half ago and it came out negative. I have also been dealing with a lot of stress, I have gotten what seem to be cramps and some PMS, but my period won't come.

Do you have any suggestions of what I could do?, I have also had weight gain in the past 6 months, could that also be affecting it? Thanks for all your help.

It's absolutely terrific that you've always used protection! I'm guessing that when you say protection, you mean condoms, and condoms provide protection against pregnancy AND sexually transmitted infections, so they count as one of our favorite methods.

As for your irregular periods, you're absolutely right--stress, weight change (loss or gain), even diet change or traveling can affect your period. If you still haven't had a period, we'd recommend that you repeat the pregnancy test with first morning urine (pee you collect as soon as you wake up in the morning)in a week. If it's negative (and given the fact that you've been using protection consistently, that would be our guess) and your period still doesn't come, we recommend that you schedule a check with your provider.

There are some hormone problems and problems with ovaries (all treatable!) that can cause irregular or late periods.

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Irregular cycle; when do I ovulate?

From last 3 months my cycle is irregular. From Oct to Nov the cycle was 29 days, from Nov to Dec it was 34 days, and from Dec to Jan it was 30 days. I am confused as to when I will ovulate and what is my fertility time because I am planning for pregnancy. Please tell me the date when I should have my intercourse with my husband to achieve pregnancy.

Rarely do women have a period every 28 days. Most of us have variations of 4 to 6 days from one cycle to the next. It makes predicting ovulation somewhat tricky but not impossible.

First, there are kits out now, in the pharmacies, that you can get to help you determine ovulation. Look for them in the pregnancy test section. Secondly, here are the basics on when women ovulate.

It's always the same: 14-16 days before the first day of your next menstrual cycle (day one of bleeding). Of course, as you pointed out, the first day of your next cycle is unpredictable. That's because you can ovulate at any time, day 5, day 10, or day 14.

For you with a range of 29 to 34 days you are ovulating somewhere between day 13 and day 20. Here's how I got those dates to give you the maximum window of when ovulation is occurring: 29-16=13 and 34-14=20.

So, you are ovulating somewhere between day 13 and day 20 of your cycle. One of the kits from the drug store can help you narrow down the dates. Good luck.

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Frequent spotting

I am and have been on birth control for over a year, but as of the last two months I have been spotting frequently and I have gotten my period early twice. Could this mean I need a different birth control pill or is something wrong? I have been tested to see is I was pregnant and I am not.

The most common reason for irregular bleeding is taking the pills at irregular times. Missing a pill and making it up the next day or even four hours late can cause spotting or a full blown period two days later.

So, try to evaluate your pill taking consistency. It is good you were tested for pregnancy since no birth control method is 100% effective. If you have been in a new sexual relationship it would be advisable to be checked for sexually transmitted infections, since irregular bleeding may be a symptom of chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Once irregular pill taking, pregnancy and infection are eliminated it can help to better regulate your bleeding to change to a new pill type.

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17, periods not regular

I am 17 years old and I stopped being on a regular period. I haven't been regular for about a year now. I have never had sex so I can't be pregnant. I also have severe cramps and can't even go to school when I have them. When I don't have my period I always have discharge that ranges between clear, yellow and brown. I constantly have to wear a pantyliner because it is to heavy. It is really warm and I can feel it coming out of me. It has a foul odor to it. Is there anything wrong?

You certainly need to have this checked out. There are times when women of any age stop their periods, but the reason does needed to be looked at. Also your complaints of having pain and discharge require assessment now as well. So I would make an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as you can; they will able to do the full range of testing to be able to tell you what is going on! Good Luck!

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Long periods with spotting

I have a somewhat regular menstrual cycle of about 31-32 days. My period would be heavy the first 2 days and then decreasing until 6th or 7th day it will be clean. But then right after that I will have this light brown or brownish discharge and this continue until the 15th day or so before it stops and my discharge would be clear. This doesn't happen every month but I do get it. Is this normal?

It can be normal for a woman to have light brown spotting after a period, but what you asked needs further explanation because you are describing bleeding that lasts for 14 days. If this persists for several months in a row, you do need gynecologic assessment. Your age would also be a factor; if you over 40, we would be more concerned and if you are taking hormones, this could influence bleeding. In any case, you should see a health care provider to go over this in more detail. Good Luck!

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Too many periods

For a few months now or so I have got my period 2-3 times a month. This is very irregular for me. I usually get it just about the same time every month. I have been taking birth control for about 4 years or so. I sometimes miss a pill here and there, but it never affected me before. I just want to know if there is something to worry about or if there is anything I can do to make it regular again. Thank you.

Any time a woman has frequent or irregular periods that persist for months, this should be evaluated be a health care professional. Sometimes, bleeding could be due to an infection or missed birth control pills, or just being on the pill. So all of these things should be evaluated. You should not worry, but it is important to see why you are having irregular cycles. Almost all of the time, it is possible to prescribe a pill where a woman will have regular periods. Good Luck.

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When will I get my first period?

I have been wondering when I'm going to have my period? There has been some white stuff coming out but no red stuff and it kinda has a little odor but you have to go up close to smell it and I have been having stomach aches lately and back aches can this be it? (I am 12).

It is very hard to answer this question as stomach and back aches can be caused by many things. However, your first period will have menstrual discharge which will be red or reddish-brown.

First periods can start anywhere from age 9 on up. If the white discharge has a bad odor, it should be checked, especially if you have had sex.

Read the article below - it will answer some of your questions. Meanwhile, talk to your mom, or a favorite aunt, or big sister...any older woman whom you can confide in can help answer your questions.

Read this at the kidshealth.org site.

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Irregular periods

I'm 21 years old and I've never used birth control. I'm scared of using birth control because I smoke and it says you have a risk of heart problems if you smoke and I dont want to gain weight.

My periods have always been weird. Sometimes they come on time and sometimes I miss a month and sometimes they come 2 or 3 weeks late. I constantly have pregnancy scares because of this. Right now I'm about 3 weeks late and I took a pregnancy test because it is possible, but it came out negative.

Because of my irregular cycle I don't know when it's a good time to check because they say after you've missed your period, but for me that can be anytime. Once I think I missed 2 weeks.

I take medication for anxiety and depression but even before that my periods were irregular. I also worry that because of this I may never be able to have kids. But I have had some symptoms lately like tiredness, nausea, needing more sleep, stomach pains and urinating more frequently. I don't know if those could be pregnancy and that's why I'm worried. Is there anything other than the pill to regulate my periods? Should I take another pregnancy test again? How soon?

From what you've written here, I'd say that you're an EXCELLENT candidate for the birth control pill. The pill is 99% effective when used correctly, and it has the added benefit of making periods REGULAR.

In terms of risk, you're a little bit right and a little bit wrong. The risk of developing a blood clot is three to five times greater for a woman taking estrogen (one of the hormones in the birth control pill and the Patch and the Nuva ring) than it is for a woman of the same age who's NOT taking estrogen. And for a smoker, that risk is increased by a small amount. But the overall risk is still EXTREMELY LOW, lower than the risk of clots in a healthy pregnant woman. Oral contraceptives ARE recommended birth control for women under the age of thirty-five who smoke.

As for your pregnancy worries, if you haven't had sex since your period's been late, then the odds are good that the test was right and you're NOT pregnant. The symptoms you mention--fatigue, peeing a lot, stomach pains, and nausea--can be signs of pregnancy, but can also be signs of increased stress or vaginal or bladder infection.

It would be a good idea for you to make an appointment with a provider for a pregnancy test and to rule out any other causes of these symptoms. That would also give you the opportunity to speak with your provider about birth control. Not having a method has clearly INCREASED the stress in your life.

If, after speaking with your provider, you decide that birth control pills aren't the right fit for you, you can talk to her about OTHER birth control methods that don't contain hormones. Condoms, spermicide, diaphragms, and IUDs are all methods that are effective alone or used in combination.

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Sex during period

I am on an oral birth control pill and have been for about 5 years. I have one child, had her when I got off of birth control and got pregnant real quick. I am on my off week, my period-day 4 to be exact, and my husband and I had sex. I really wasn't thinking about it and we didn't use a condom. Can I get pregnant? I am suppose to start back with my first pill for the month today, but could I be pregnant? I think we have had sex before while on my period and not used a condom, I can't remember for sure, but I am just a little concerned. I took an ovulation test and it came back negative...it that reliable? Thanks for your help.

No, pregnancy should not happen when you are on the placebo week of birth control pills. It is not advised to use back up methods during this off week. Because the pill suppresses ovulation, being hormone-free for a week, should still protect you. Also the fact that you had a regular withdrawal bleed is reassuring. If you ever skip a period on the pill, you should do a pregnancy test. Good Luck.

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No period for two months

I am 17 years old and am sexually active. Me and my boyfriend have been having protected sex, only missionary, never anal and only two times unprotected. The problem is I have not gotten my period for 2 months and now I am worried I could be pregnant.

I have no symptoms I am afraid to take the test and also I believe I have a bladder infection as I peed my pants twice already and cannot hold it. I cannot go to the gynecologist for I cannot let my parents know and I am not on the pill.

Do you by any chance know what could be wrong and why I haven't gotten my period? I don't believe I'm pregnant because I have not gotten the symptoms.

There are many things that make periods come late (stress, change in weight, change in exercise, change in diet), but in a sexually active woman who’s had sex without protection, pregnancy is the first thing on our list. While many women feel very different when they’re pregnant, there are plenty of women who become pregnant and never have symptoms such as morning sickness or fatigue or sore breasts. It’s important that you do a pregnancy test right away. You can get a test in any drug store and even in most grocery stores.

Having to pee frequently can be a sign of pregnancy, but can also mean you’ve got a bladder infection. You should have this checked out as soon as possible, because bladder infections can get worse and travel to the kidneys, causing a more serious infection.

If you do not feel you can trust your doctor to maintain your privacy, we recommend that you make an appointment right away with your nearest Planned Parenthood or Family Planning clinic. They will keep your information confidential, and they'll check for pregnancy and for other reasons your period might be late, AND they can test for and treat urinary tract infections. They can also counsel you about birth control methods and get you started on a method that will help prevent pregnancy (and pregnancy scares) in the future.

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Went off pill, period went wonky

My last period ended on the 3rd of September, I hadn't gone back on the pill this month, and it is the 15th of September and I started bleeding again. I just want to know if that could be because I went off the pill, and if I go back on the pill when I am finished, if it might go back to normal?

It is difficult to say what is causing your bleeding. It may be due to ovulating, it may be a sign of early pregnancy or it may be an infection, to name a few of the possibilities. I would recommend a follow-up visit with your provider to discuss and evaluate the bleeding before restarting the birth control pill.

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Periods came, then went

I'm 13 and got my first period when I was about to turn 10. My first few periods were irregular, anywhere from 3-10 months apart. I've had a total of 7 periods. My last one was a year ago and I haven't gotten one since. I thought that maybe it was just irregular and would take some time before it gets normal, but since it's been 3 years and completely STOPPED coming.

I'm getting really worried. I've spotted a few times, and had PMS like symptoms, but it never actually came. I am not sexually active, and still a virgin. I'm going to see a gyno in a couple of months, but I was wondering if you could maybe give some possibilities of what might be wrong, if anything, and ease my mind. Also, could masturbation affect this?

While irregular periods are common when girls are young, you’re absolutely right—having a period for two years then not having a period for a whole year is NOT normal.

But don’t be worried! You’re getting this checked out and that’s EXACTLY what we’d advise. You can probably guess from the fact that your appointment’s been scheduled for a few months away that your gynecologist is not thinking of this as a BIG URGENT problem. Your doctor knows that there are many things that can stop periods.

One is LOTS of exercise—women can exercise so much that they actually stop having their period. Another cause of no periods is weight loss—too MUCH weight loss. Then there are hormonal things that can stop periods. Trouble with the thyroid gland (a common and easily treated problem) can stop periods. So can trouble with the ovaries. There’s a common condition called POLYCYSTIC OVARIES that can cause missed or entirely missing periods. (Again, this is a common problem and is treated with contraceptive pills and other medications.)

Masturbation does NOT make periods stop. In fact, masturbation is a safe, healthy part of sexuality, and a great way to get to know your own body.

One last piece of advice: Give your doc a call and try to get an earlier appointment. We advise this NOT because we're worried about anything, but because YOU'RE worried, and you deserve a speedy solution to this period puzzle.

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Did I have a miscarriage?

Hi I'm 29 years old and I have 4 children and been married for 10 years. My last period was on July 4 and it was very light and I usually never cramp when I start my period. In August my period was late and I started feeling sick and always mad. I took 2 tests and they both came out neg. On Aug 27 I went to the restroom and felt something slip out of me and when I check to see what it was it looked tissue like and with a red dot in the middle, after this happened I started cramping and bleeding heavy with back pain. Did I have miscarriage?

Because of the two negative pregnancy tests, we’re pretty sure you didn’t have a miscarriage. You’re right--irregular bleeding patterns (light periods, short periods, late periods) do make us suspicious about possible pregnancy. On the other hand, if you’d been pregnant since July (if that light July period wasn’t REALLY a period), a pregnancy test done in August would have picked that up. So the best guess is that your period changed for some reason.

Many things can throw off your regular period pattern—stress, change in diet, change in exercise habits, infection, travel, and did we mention stress?—so it’s difficult to say what might have caused this change for you. But it’s not unusual for an unusually light period to be followed by a BIG HEAVY MOODY CRAMPY period, and often during these monster periods women will pass blood clots that look like tissue. Passing the clots can cause such strong cramps that the lower back hurts.

If your periods get back to normal and you’re feeling fine, you don’t need to do anything about this one incident. If you continue to have irregular bleeding, though, it would be a good idea to see your health care provider for a check-up. Finally, if you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to use some form of reliable contraception, and many of the contraceptive methods available will help make your period regular while helping to prevent pregnancy.

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Irregular periods; Trying to conceive

This August was my 4 month anniversary of getting married. I dated my husband for 3 years so I've known him for a while. After two months of being married, we decided to try and conceive.

I have irregular periods and I always get it every other month. Nothing's happening! Every time he ejaculates in me and pulls out, the semen comes right out of me. Is it normal? Not my or his side of the family have difficulty in conceiving.

I know its still early to say anything and usually takes trying up to a year. Could it be the reason I can't get pregnant is due to irregular periods? I really want to conceive.

Irregular periods could make it harder for you to conceive because you don't know when you ovulate. You should talk to your doctor about this. After a year of trying to conceive with no luck, then you and/or your partner may need a work-up.

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Is this my first period?

I'm 14 and I haven't started my period. Well I don't know if I have. Yesterday I had a brownish red discharge on my underwear and it like kept coming. Today when I got home there was really dark brown discharge and lots of it....is that my period? Or something else?

Young girls start their first menstrual period at a wide range of ages...the average age is about 11, but some start earlier and some years later.

It can be normal for a girl to have the exact situation that you describe...brownish red discharge...or even just brownish black discharge. This can go on for months. If any young girl has been sexually active, it would be important to be screened for sexually transmitted infection. It is also important to have a knowledgeable adult or health care provider to discuss this with, such as someone at your local family planning clinic or your family doctor.

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When get a normal period?

I have been on the pill for about 2 years, last pill period was 2nd of May. I haven't returned back to the pill as we are trying for a baby, but I need to know when am I likely to have a normal period? It's now been 30 days and nothing... PLEASE HELP ME.

Most women resume their periods within 30-45 days after discontinuing the birth control pills. If your period does not normally occur after that period of time, please see your provider. Since you are trying to become pregnant, to make sure you have a healthy baby, you should be under the care of an OB/GYN during this time to assure your body is in the best possible condition for pregnancy.

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Metformin / periods

I am being treated with Metformin for insulin resistance and I am trying to conceive. I now have a regular cycle of 32 days. I have been charting and I appear to have a 14 day luteal phase. My period seems to follow the same pattern all the time, Day 26 I start to experience cramping (this occurs on and off during the day - a "squeezing" feeling ) then I start spotting pinkish blood on Day 29 then I actually start my period on Day 32.

I was wondering what causes the cramping and spotting? Does this indicate any problem that could still be interfering with conception? We have been trying to conceive for 4 years - I have been on Metformin for a year - regular cycles started about 3 months after metformin treatment started. Thanks for your help.

Cramps and spotting three days before a period is not unusual for many women. It sounds like you are ovulating. Your infertility specialist is the best one to answer your question. Hormonal studies are helpful in answering some of your questions.

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Long period

I am thirteen and I have a very unusual menstrual cycle. I have been on my period for close to 3 weeks. It is not heavy but does have some clots and it changers between red and brown. It seems like it will never end. What should I do?

In the beginning, it is not unusual for young women to have irregular periods for a number of years. But what you describe is longer that usual and it should be investigated. Please talk to a parent about this and have them seek medical attention for you. You can go to your local family planning center for this, too.

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Bleeding and bumps

I am almost 16 years old and have never had sex or masturbated. My periods are also very regular, normally 27 to 28 days apart. But every 3 to 4 times I get my period they will be brown instead of red. I haven't had any sort of pain or anything. Also, every once in a while I will find a brown vaginal discharge in my underwear, when I'm not on my period. Is this bad?

There are also white bumps all over near my vagina. They cause me no pain at all, but they never seem to go away, they are always there. Is there something I can do to get rid of them? Or can they be signs of a disease?

Brown discharge is older menstrual blood. Spotting from time to time can be normal, especially if it is without pain. Without examining you, I can't tell you if the white bumps are normal or not. You may want to go to family planning or your provider for an exam to reassure yourself about the bleeding and the bumps.

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Stopped Depo - Too many periods

I am 26 and just got off of my Depo shot. I should have had a shot after Thanksgiving, but I would like to have another baby. I have had my period many times since then. In the month of Dec. I had two. In Jan. I had two and I've had one in Feb. for two weeks straight, with very heavy flow. What should I do?? Please help! Thank You

Even though you stopped the shots, the Depo is still affecting your cycles and irregular periods are not that unusual. You need to stop taking Depo-Provera several months ahead of time if you plan to become pregnant to give your body time to readjust to its natural cycle. However, this is just general information - you really need to seek medical attention to evaluate your heavy irregular cycles as well as to prepare your body for pregnancy.

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Having semi-protected sex, no period

I am 19, and I haven't had my period since Dec 24, 2004 and now its 2/14/2005 and I still haven't gotten it yet. I have been sexually active using condoms and pulling out. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative, could it be negative from not enough hcg hormone and could I be pregnant?

There are a number of reasons periods can stop, including pregnancy. Since your test was negative, chances are you are not, but you should be retested. Not having periods at your age is not normal unless you are on a hormone-based method of birth control.

Condoms are reliable when used correctly, but pulling out is NOT a reliable method, so there is a chance of pregnancy. You should see your provider or family planning as soon as possible for an examination. Don't put it off.

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Heavy periods

I just wanted to ask you -- I had my period last time for 3 months and it was clotty and heavy; I had to wear super plus tampons and a pad and still leaked through. It finally went away and now it's back just like before very heavy and clotty thick clots - what's up with that?

It is difficult to diagnose without more details. Please contact your nearest family planning center for an appointment or see your health care provider. Heavy periods can have different causes and there are treatments available.

When you go to your appointment, be prepared to give them the date of your last period and pay attention to all the details - length, flow, and time between periods. They will also ask your history including your age, if you are on any medications, when your periods began, how often and regular they are, and whether you are sexually active and if so, what you are using for a birth control method (if any). These are normal questions that need to be answered as part of your diagnosis. Please see your health care provider soon.

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Exam for period pain

I am going to a Gyn Outpatient appointment, regarding severe period pain. I have tried Ponstan, Bextra, and the contraceptive pill and nothing has helped me. Can you please advise me on what procedure I will have to go through tomorrow when I see the doctor? Like will I have to have an internal done?

It is most likely the nurse practitioner or physician will do an internal examination in order to find the cause of your problem. Remember, also, that you have the choice of trying different doctors or women's clinics if one cannot find the source of your problem. Good luck and take care.

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Light period

What is considered a light period? Spotting? Is it brown?

A light period is one where the bleeding is not as heavy as your normal periods. As a general rule, a "normal" period is about a week long, with a steady flow of red menstural fluid at the beginning, tapering off to lighter color or brownish toward the end. Some women can experience spotting between periods.

If you have questions about your periods, please don't hesitate to talk to your local family planning center. They know all about women's issues and have the answers to your questions. They can teach you all about your period and what to expect. Take care.

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Possible problem with Menstruation

I am 20, almost 21 years old. I have had horrible periods for as long as I can remember including migraines. In December I discovered that I had an ovarian cyst. I was put on the pill and the cyst dissolved. I am still on the pill, but I still have a lot of pain during periods, and I have been getting small clots but today there was a very large clot in my discharge. Is this related to the cyst that I had, and should I be worried about this?

Without examining you, I cannot make a diagnosis. However, I do recommend that you please call your nurse practitioner or doctor who prescribed the pills for you to discuss your bleeding pattern. I think a pill change might straighten out this issue.

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Periods and Pregnancy

Is there any time during your menstrual cycle that there is a smaller chance of getting pregnant? If so, when? What actually signifies the first days of your period? Is it when you bleed?

Early or late is the cycle are the least likely times for pregnancy to occur. Please note that pregnancy is still possible , but is just is less likely, so do not rely on this as a birth control method. Your period begins when you first see menstrual fluid - that is considered day one of your period.

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Is This Normal?

Normally, I get my period every 27-29 days, it's extremely heavy, and it lasts around 5 days. It's was 7 weeks since my last period till this period, and the blood isn't red or heavy as usual, it is blacky-brown and very light. What's up?

This is a difficult question to answer without more information and an exam. The first question I would have for you is: Is there a chance you could be pregnant? After determining the answer to that question then you and your health care provider would look at hormonal shifts as the cause of different period patterns. My advice is to call or see your local family planning provider or private provider. Take care of yourself,

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Rash and period

I have a rash on my lower region, it is also on my neck, back and going into my hair is this connected to my period as I have just started or is this just coincidence? I know someone who has shingles could it be this?

Without seeing you and having your medical history, it is very difficult for me to say if this rash is connected to your period. Please seek medical attention immediately for this, as there are many things it could be, including allergies.

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Ovulation during your period?

Can women with regular cycles ovulate during their periods...say cycle day 1-3?

Yes, women can ovulate anytime during their cycle. This is why it is very important to use a reliable form of birth control if you do not want to become pregnant.

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Double Period

Hi! I am 21 years old, about to be married, and have been on the pill for about a year now. I got on birth control in the first place because I was getting my period every two-three weeks and I needed something to regulate my cycle. However, as of right now, I have had my period for two weeks in a row and I am a little nervous. My friend's wife got her period two weeks in a row and then she found out she was pregnant. I thought late or no period was a sign of pregnancy... is a double period a sign of pregnancy as well? Should I buy a pregnancy test to make sure? What do you think? Your help would be greatly appreciated for the eased minds of my fiance and me.

If you have not missed any pills then pregnancy is unlikely. Please call your health care provider to discuss your irregular bleeding - there are many things that can cause this, including stress, and your provider needs to assess you to determine what is causing yours. Good luck!

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Heavy periods related to abortions?

I have always had problems with periods. As I get older (27) I have more extremely heavy periods. I clot a lot, and experience gushing to the point where I can't work or have to be sent home because of a mess. What should I do? Go to doc? I was wondering if abortions are related to it.. I have had three.

There are different things that could be causing your heavy periods and you need an examination by a qualified professional to diagnose why your periods are so heavy. You did not say anything about a current birth control method -- hormonal methods can change periods. Also, many women see changes in their periods as they get older. Your periods are something I would want to investigate. Bleeding so much that you cannot work needs attention.

In answer to your second concern, a history of three abortions would not be related to these periods.

Please contact your health care provider or local family planning center as soon as possible!

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Tampons

I have a problem. I really wanna insert a tampon but I can't. I have tried many, many times and it seems like they are too long or too big??? And I am 12 going on 13.

It gets easier with practice! If a tampon is not comfortable, it usually means you haven't inserted it far enough. Discard it and try again. If you haven't already, follow the directions that come in the box -- they DO help!

You may find that smaller tampons work better such as the Ob brand (no applicator) or the Tampax Jr. brand. Also, changing the angle of insertion of the tampon may be helpful. Also, lubricating the tampon with a little bit of a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, helps with insertion (do not use petroleum jelly).

Go to the manufacturer websites and you will find lots of frequently asked questions plus areas of their website directed toward teens. Here are links:

www.tampax.com
www.playtextamptons.com
www.obtampons.com

Good luck!

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Trying to conceive--normal periods?

I am a teen trying to conceive but it has taken a while for me to conceive, I have been trying so far for seven months now. my period cycle is about 37 days long (1 month and seven days), is this normal and can I conceive?

Your cycles sound normal. Most couples 80% conceive within one year if they are not using any birth control methods.

I also noticed that you said you were a teen who's trying to conceive, which is uncommon! Pregnancy at any age is a major life change, and most often teens aren't in a place in life where they are ready to handle the responsibility of parenthood. We encourage you to talk to other adults in your life for advice and support. They may be able to help you figure out many of the things about how pregnancy and parenthood changes things, with friends, your living situation, school and/or job, health insurance, food and diapers, childcare, etc.!

We encourage you to come to Family Planning to find out more about fertility, pregnancy, and your health before you conceive. We can provide you with a list of local doctors, since you would want to choose a doctor who would be seeing you through your pregnancy and delivery. Prenatal care (medical care during your pregnancy) is very important to make sure your pregnancy is healthy, and that any complications are caught as early as possible so that you can make informed decisions about your health care.

So, don't wait for pregnancy to happen - visit your nearest Family Planning health center to find out more about your health and your body! Take care and be wise.

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Next period too soon and very heavy

I'm 23 and I just finished a period 2 weeks ago and yesterday started another one. It is extremely heavy with really painful cramps. Should I be worried? I am on the pill which has really helped in regulating my period, but I am also starting a new job and a new relationship, so could it just be stress?

If you are bleeding heavily between your periods on the pill you should go in for a check up. There are a number of possibilities for this type of bleeding, from missed pills to exposure to an infection. You should give your health care provider or local family planning clinic a call as soon as possible to assess the situation.

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