Puberty question?
Uhh, this is kinda embarrassing.I started my first period about 6 months ago.I got all the usual hormones, sexual attraction hormone, and growth and all that stuff.After that I haven’t had a period since, I stopped developing more, and I don’t have any sexual attraction whatsoever.What happened all of a sudden?
More Answers to “Puberty question?“
don’t worry it’s normal. I had my first period when i was 8 and never had another one till i was 12 it happens in the first few days.but a while it will get regular
maybe that wasn’t a real period, it was like an infection. i would check with a doctor!good luck-amanda
omg ur pregnant!!
hormones are the name of the game, see a doctor
it’s completely normal for a girls periods to be irregular until she’s more mature, like 16-18, some girls don’t even get their first period until that age. your body doesn’t just flip a switch one day and start producing hormones like an adult, it comes in spurts. I think if you talked about it with your mom it would bring you two closer together and you’d be less embarrassed about it.
u probably should ask your doctor,or your mom they always now whats goin on in that department or just about any department
You should tell your parents, or school nurse. Dont be embarrassed about it. Really, this will not be the last time in your life that your period messes up.
have your mom make ana ppointment with your doctor and have him check you out
Everything about periods is right here…scroll down til you see what you’re looking for. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/menstru.htm.Hi. Welcome to the Q and A part of the site. Here’s a chance to get answers to your questions without actually having to ask them out loud. There’s also a list of other resources at the end of the section. If you’re still thirsting for knowledge, talk with a parent, teacher or other trusted adult.* When will I get my first period?* Good question. Most girls get their first period between the ages of 9 and 16. Most means the majority – not everyone will fall into this category. Anyway, it follows the development of breasts, hips, waist, pubic hair, and a growth spurt. Put those clues together and they usually add up to imminent period alert. In addition, a girl will often weigh at least 100 pounds before menstruation begins. Genetics also plays a role. If possible, find out when your mom got her first period to get an estimate of when yours may arrive.* What will happen when I get my first period?* Usually a first period is very light. It will probably be a few spots of bright red blood or a brown sticky stain that shows up on your underpants. If you are out in public and don’t have a pad with you, don’t panic. Remain calm. This is a time when true female bonding occurs. Hopefully, your mother or other adult relative will be close by and can supply you with a feminine product. If not, try Plan B. Ask a friend or other woman if she has a pad. It’s a well-kept secret that every woman at some time in her life has had to ask another woman for a pad. Yes, it’s embarrassing, but you can rely on other women to see you through this situation. And in all honesty, first periods were designed really well because it is usually so little that it won’t seep through to your outer clothes.* How long will my period last?* Everyone is different. It can last between two and seven days. Most girls have it for about five days.* What should I do when I get my first period?* In addition to what’s covered above, it’s a good idea to have feminine products ready for that first period, and to know how to use them. (See the Kotex products section of our site for more information about these products.)* What if I get my period at school?* If you have a pad with you, go to the girls’ room and put it on. If you don’t have one, go to the school nurse, the office, or wherever you can get a pad. How about keeping a pad at school in case of emergency? If you don’t need it, maybe one of your friends will and she can return the favor some day soon.* What if my flow is really heavy and I have to use lots of pads?* It’s probably just a heavy flow, which can happen during a period’s first day or two. Some girls normally experience a heavy flow. If you have a prolonged heavy flow, call your doctor.* Will I have to stop activities such as sports when I have my period?* No. These days it’s hard to use a period as an excuse to get out of gym class. Believe it or not, the more active you are, the less likely you are to have cramps. And, if you’re worried about leaking during sports activities, check out the Kotex products section of the website to find out how to help prevent leaks by using a pad or tampon that fits you and your period.* How often will I get my period?* Cycles range anywhere between 21 to 45 days. The average is 28 days. At first, it will probably be irregular. The time between when you get it, the length and time you have it, and the amount of flow will all vary. As your body finds its own internal rhythm, your period will settle into a pattern. It can take a year or two. Mark your periods on a calendar to get used to following your cycle.* Can I go swimming when I have my period?* Yes, but don’t wear a pad. It will swell up like an inflatable raft. If you want to swim, you should wear a tampon. But first, talk it over with your parent or other responsible adult before trying this (the tampon, not the swimming).Please see Questions and Answers about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Or, check out Important Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome.* Can I take a bath when I have my period?* Yes. In fact, a bath or a shower is really important at this time to keep you clean and to fight off any odors that may occur.* Will getting my period hurt?* The actually bleeding part doesn’t hurt. The menstrual cramps are uncomfortable but manageable.* What do cramps feel like?* You’ve probably already guessed this, but cramps don’t feel good. Cramps are a pain. And they’re particularly a pain around the area of the uterus that is below your belly button. Sometimes they lodge in your lower back. Cramps are caused by the uterus contracting. You can get them just before and during your period. Some girls have a few cramps, some have lots, and then there are those who have none. The intensity of the cramps varies, and you may not get them every time you have your period. They can be managed with over the counter pain relief medication. Ask your doctor for more information.* What is menstruation, anyway?* This is strictly a biological explanation so hold on. Menstruation is your monthly opportunity to create a baby. When your body first becomes able to produce a child, usually between the ages of 9 and 16, it begins preparation once a month for possible motherhood. This time in your life is known as menarche (“muh-NAE-key”). A tiny egg matures in one of your ovaries, then travels down a fallopian tube toward your uterus. Your uterus, meanwhile, has been preparing for the egg’s arrival, and its lining has gotten thick and velvety. If the arriving egg is fertilized by a sperm, your uterus is all set to protect and nourish the developing baby for the next nine months. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized – because there is no sperm present, then your uterus has no use for that thick, spongy lining. So it sheds the lining and flushes it out – along with some blood, body fluids, and the disintegrated egg. For 2 to 6 days each month, all this stuff flows out of your body through your vagina as reddish-brown menstrual flow. After the onset of menstruation, you’ll usually have a menstrual period about every 28 days (except during pregnancy) although your cycle may vary anywhere from 20 to 35 days. Flash forward about 40 years, when your body enters menopause. Your ovaries stop producing eggs and your periods stop.* What does it mean if my period is late or irregular?* Irregular periods for the first couple of years are normal. But, after that, when you’ve started to menstruate regularly, missing a period may be a sign of pregnancy (if you are sexually active). Other causes of irregularity include a change in diet, increase in exercise or drug use. The best advice is to chat with your health care provider if you’re concerned.* Will other people know I’m having my period?* When you’re having your period, you don’t want the world to know. Regular bathing, proper use of pads and/or tampons and loose, comfortable clothes are a good strategy to keep your period from sticking out in a crowd.* Why do I feel crabby and sad right before my period?* PMS. Those three little letters pack a punch, don’t they? Moodiness, anxiety and depression are all part of premenstrual syndrome’s big bag o’ tricks. Again, some women don’t get PMS and no guy on the planet “gets” PMS. So if you’re suffering with headaches, backaches, pimples, nausea and food cravings, call a friend, the kind who will understand, and talk about it. She may have some advice on ways to find relief. Or, visit “lets talk” to chat with other girls who might be going through the same thing.* What causes PMS and why do I feel so darn fat?* PMS symptoms are caused by hormonal changes that take place prior to menstruation. As hormone levels even out, PMS symptoms gradually disappear. The emotions and problems that seemed overwhelming suddenly feel manageable. Get to know your cycle and you will know when to head off PMS.As for the “fat thing.” Here’s the skinny. Just before and during your period, your body tends to retain water. This added fluid might make you feel bloated or your breasts feel tender. It’s normal to gain a couple pounds during this time of the month – and ditch them when your period is over. If you feel like a water balloon, pull on some loose, comfortable clothing. Don’t even think about using a pair of pliers to pull up the zipper on your favorite jeans. It’s not worth the discomfort. Avoiding salt immediately before and during your period is also a good idea. Salt increases water retention.* What if I bleed through my clothes?* Ick. Ick. Ick. And it has happened to almost every woman. First step is damage control. Tie a sweater or jacket around your waist or untuck your shirt. If that’s not an option, have a good friend walk directly behind you on the way to the bathroom. Find the closest tampon or pad. When you get to the bathroom, check to see if you can blot out any noticeable spots. If it’s a hopeless situation, take a trip to the nurse’s office and see if someone can bring you a change of clothes from home. If you are at work or out shopping, try to call it a day and head home. Soaking your underwear or other clothes in cold water and using a stain remover can usually get out any blood stains. O.k., now an important word about preventing this from ever, ever, ever happening again. Being proactive can keep this from being a worst-day-ever type of situation. In the future, stash an extra pair of underwear in your locker and wear dark clothes on days when you’re expecting your period or when your flow is at its heaviest. Plan on changing your feminine product on a regular basis. Don’t wait until it’s too late because you’re busy. Wear the right product for your flow. For more information on the products that are right for you, visit Kotex products. Source(s):http://www.kotex.com/na/talk/teen/.. http://www.femininehygiene.com/.Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menstru. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)IntroductionEven if you’re not familiar with the term “dysmenorrhea,” if you’re a woman, chances are you’ve experienced it at some time in your life. Dysmenorrhea is simply the medical term for menstrual cramps, that dull or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen many women experience just before and during their menstrual periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, it can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month.Dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea involves no physical abnormality and usually begins within three years after you begin menstruating. Secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying physical cause, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.If you have primary dysmenorrhea, there are some measures you can take to ease the discomfort. You can also take comfort in knowing that cramps tend to decrease in intensity as you get older and often disappear after pregnancy. For secondary dysmenorrhea, managing your cramps involves treating the underlying cause.Signs and symptomsMost women experience menstrual cramps at some time in their lives. Cramps become problematic when they’re severe enough to keep you from going about your day-to-day routine.If you have primary dysmenorrhea, cramps most likely began within three years after you started menstruating. They may persist through your 20s or until you deliver a child and, for unknown reasons, they’re likely to decrease in intensity or go away entirely. With secondary dysmenorrhea, cramps may start or return later in life, but can begin anytime after you begin menstruating.Signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, whether primary or secondary, may include:·Dull or throbbing pain in your lower abdomen·Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighsLess common signs and symptoms include:·Nausea and vomiting·Loose stools·Sweating·DizzinessCauses CLICK TO ENLARGE Normal ovulation To create a nourishing environment for a fertilized egg, the female sex hormone estrogen causes your uterine lining (endometrium) to thicken every month. Soon after, a follicle — a tiny sac in your ovary that contains a single egg (ovum) — ruptures and releases its egg (ovulation). If the egg becomes fertilized by contact with a sperm on its way to your uterus, the egg implants in the lining of the uterus. However, most often the unfertilized egg passes through your uterus and out of your body. Shortly thereafter, your uterus releases the lining, and your menstrual flow begins.To help expel its lining, your uterus contracts. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation, trigger the uterine muscle contractions. No one knows for sure, but many experts believe that prostaglandins cause menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea).A number of conditions can cause secondary dysmenorrhea. They include:·Endometriosis. In this painful condition, the type of tissue that lines your uterus becomes implanted outside your uterus, most commonly on your fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis.·Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.·Use of an intrauterine device (IUD). These small, plastic, T-shaped birth control devices are inserted into your uterus. They may cause increased cramping, particularly during the first few months after insertion.·Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps. These noncancerous tumors and growths protrude from the lining of your uterus.Risk factorsYou’re more likely to have severe menstrual cramps if you have one or both of the following:·Early onset of puberty (age 11 or younger)·A family history of painful periodsWhen to seek medical adviceIf you’ve started menstruating within the past few years and are experiencing cramps, chances are your menstrual pain is primary dysmenorrhea and not a cause for concern. However, if cramping disrupts your life for several days a month or if you’re older and just started experiencing severe menstrual cramps, see your doctor. If you have secondary dysmenorrhea, pinpointing the underlying cause is the first step to successful treatment.Screening and diagnosisYour doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, your doctor will check for any abnormalities in your reproductive organs and look for indications of infection.To rule out other causes of your symptoms or to identify the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, your doctor may request diagnostic tests, such as:·Imaging tests. Noninvasive tests that enable your doctor to look for abnormalities inside your pelvic cavity include ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).·Laparoscopy. This surgical procedure involves your doctor viewing your pelvic cavity by making tiny incisions in your abdomen and inserting a fiber-optic tube with a small camera lens.·Hysteroscopy. In this procedure, your doctor inserts an instrument through your vagina and your cervical canal to examine your cervical canal and the inside of your uterus.ComplicationsThe complications of secondary dysmenorrhea depend on the underlying cause. For instance, pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes and compromise reproductive health. The scarring can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg stays in the fallopian tube rather than traveling through the tube to implant in your uterus, or it implants somewhere else outside your uterus. Endometriosis, another possible cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, can lead to impaired fertility.TreatmentFor secondary dysmenorrhea, you’ll need treatment for the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, treatment could include antibiotics to treat infection or surgery to remove fibroids or polyps.You may be able to reduce your discomfort from dysmenorrhea by using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve). Self-care strategies also may help relieve discomfort. For severe cramping, your doctor might recommend low-dose oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation, which may reduce the production of prostaglandins and therefore the severity of your cramps.Self-careYou can try a number of self-care strategies to reduce the discomfort of primary dysmenorrhea. Once the pain begins, soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad on your abdomen may ease your cramps. You can also make some lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and possibly decrease the severity of your cramps. Try these tips:·Exercise regularly. Exercise results in an increased release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.·Get adequate rest. Your body may be less vulnerable to pain when you’re well rested.Complementary and alternative medicineSome women find relief through massage, yoga or meditation, all stress-relieving activities that may help to lessen pain and aren’t likely to harm you. Some women find acupuncture helpful for pain relief. The National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement in 1998 stating that acupuncture may help relieve certain types of pain, including menstrual cramps.We hear a lot about the menstrual “cycle,” which can make it sound as though it happens like clockwork. And we say that a woman who gets her period every 4 weeks is “regular,” as though there’s usually something abnormal about women who don’t. In fact, most women don’t get their periods at exactly the same number of days after the last one.Let’s take a look at what happens when a girl gets her first period (also known as menarche, pronounced: meh-nar-kee). For most girls, this happens between the ages of 9 and 16.Your menstrual cycle occurs in stages, which doctors often talk about in terms of 28 days. But 28 is just an average figure that doctors use. Women’s cycle lengths vary – some have a 24-day cycle, some have a 34-day cycle. The only thing you can usually count on is that if you’re not pregnant, nursing, or ill, you will get your period again.The first day a girl’s period comes is Day 1 of her cycle. Around Day 5, her pituitary gland tells the ovaries to start preparing one of the eggs they contain for release. One egg will mature completely, and at the same time the lining of the uterus gets thicker. The lining becomes thick to prepare a nesting place for the fertilized egg in the event that the girl becomes pregnant.On or about Day 14, the egg breaks loose (this is called ovulation) and makes its way through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg hasn’t been fertilized by sperm, it will disintegrate. About 2 weeks later, the lining and egg leave a girl’s body as her period and the whole thing starts all over again – that’s why we use the word cycle.All this sounds very neat and orderly, but your body may not follow this schedule exactly. It’s not unusual, especially in the first 2 years after menarche, to skip periods or to have an irregular menstrual cycle. Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable because the part of the brain that regulates periods is influenced by stuff like this.Some girls always have irregular periods; others get theirs every 28 days like clockwork. Many are regular most of the time, but occasionally skip a period or get an extra period during times of pressure or stress. In fact, you may notice that when you go on a trip or have a major change in your schedule your period is late.The length of your periods may also vary – sometimes your period may last 2 days, sometimes 10. That’s because the level of hormones your body manufactures can be different from one cycle to the next and this affects the amount and length of bleeding.So how can you tell when you’re about to get your period? If you’re not regular, you’ll want to pay attention to the clues your body may give you. These include:·back cramps or stiffness·heavier breasts or breast soreness (this will happen after ovulation and before you get your period)·headaches·acne breakouts·disturbed sleep patterns·mood swingsIf you’re not taking birth control pills, you’re not pregnant, and you’re not having other symptoms such as stomach pain, then it’s very likely that your irregular periods are part of the normal changes that can happen when you’re a teen. At some point as you grow, your cycle will probably settle into a recognizable pattern. This should happen by 3 years after your first period.Some teens may develop irregular periods – or stop having periods altogether – as a result of a hormone imbalance. Disorders of the thyroid gland can cause menstrual irregularities if the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood become too low or too high. Some women have irregular periods because their bodies produce too much androgen, which is a hormone that causes increased muscle mass, facial hair, and deepening of the voice in males and the development of pubic hair and increased height in girls. High amounts of androgen can also cause hair growth on the face, chin, chest, and abdomen, and is sometimes associated with excessive weight gain.If a girl has one of these problems, or if her periods are irregular for 3 years or more (or for other reasons), the doctor may prescribe hormone pills or other medications that will help her to have regular periods.In the meantime, if your periods are irregular, try keeping some pads or tampons in your backpack, just so you’ll have them handy in case your period comes when you’re not expecting it.It’s important to see a doctor if you’re sexually active and have missed a period – this could be a sign that you’re pregnant. You should also see your doctor if you start having periods that last longer than 7 to 10 days or periods that are accompanied by severe cramping or abdominal pain.http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_he.Irregular periodsby Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NPTo begin with, let me reassure you that most irregular periods are benign. Missed periods, too frequent periods, spotting, or bouts of heavy clotting and bleeding are usually caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance that is easily treated.Most of us have missed a period at one point or another — some with anticipation of a pregnancy, others because of anxiety or tension. At the clinic, we see women who menstruate like clockwork, while others report never having had a regular cycle. One thing is a given, however: shifts in hormonal balance will alter whatever pattern a woman has experienced in the past. Such shifts are especially common in perimenopause.What is an irregular period?At the clinic we answer questions all the time about irregular periods. A textbook period happens every 24-29 days, but in truth what is “regular” covers a wide range. Cycles between 23–35 days are very common. A woman may get her period only one to four times a year. Or she might have periods that occur two to three times in a month and involve spotting or extremely heavy flow. Alternatively, she may have heavy episodes of bleeding every two to three months. Irregular periods are simply what is irregular for you.For the most part, we don’t worry at the clinic about a missed period or two over the course of a year. More variation than that may indicate to us the beginning of perimenopause or a disruption of the natural chain of hormonal events that controls menstruation. A wide variety of factors can be responsible for irregular periods, among them:·Significant weight gain or loss·Over-exercise·Poor nutrition (or a diet too high in carbohydrates)·Smoking·Drug use·Caffeine·Excessive alcohol use (interfering with how the liver metabolizes estrogen and progesterone) ·Eating disorders·Increased stress·Polycystic ovarian syndrome/estrogen dominance·Uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endomet.·Hormonal imbalance related to perimenopause·Medications·Chemotherapy·Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or D&C ·Breastfeeding As you can see, there are many different ways a woman can be irregular for as many different reasons, and it can be very confusing when it happens.Why does being stressed out cause irregular periods?When we are under stress, regardless of the source (danger, personal relationships, work, environment) our adrenal glands are designed to secrete the hormone cortisol (see our articles on adrenal fatigue). Cortisol has a direct impact on the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA. Eating disorders, dieting, drug use, and reliance on stimulants like caffeine and alcohol are also interpreted by the body as kinds of stress. Poor nutrition seems to physically change the proteins in the brain so they can no longer send the proper signals for normal ovulation.Am I in menopause if I have irregular periods?No — irregular periods are generally an indication of hormonal imbalance, not necessarily related to menopause. Strictly speaking, women aren’t considered menopausal until they have gone for one year without a menstrual period.If you have not had a menstrual period for a full year and then experience bleeding, this is different from irregular periods. We explain this in more detail in our article on post-menopausal bleeding.By the way, it is a myth that a woman goes into menopause because her body runs out of eggs. If this were true, then women who experienced menarche (the first period in a woman’s life) earlier would enter menopause earlier. In fact, the opposite is true — early menarche is associated with late menopause. In the same vein, women who had more pregnancies and thereby fewer periods, would have menopause later, and that doesn’t happen, either. If you are experiencing increasing irregularity, you may be suffering from hormonal imbalance or entering perimenopause, and should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner.Am I in perimenopause if I have irregular periods?Not necessarily, but irregular periods are one of the most common signals of perimenopause. That’s why it’s best to check in with a healthcare practitioner.Women entering perimenopause often have irregular periods due to an imbalance of progesterone that upsets their cycle. Because progesterone regulates the amount and length of bleeding, periods can last longer and be accompanied by very heavy bleeding (also called menorrhagia or hypermenorrhagia). However, shorter or spottier periods can also indicate perimenopause. Click here to learn more about irregular periods in perimenopause.What does it mean if I miss a period or two?The most common type of irregular period we see at the clinic is anovulation, or a cycle in which a woman does not ovulate (i.e., does not release an egg). This is frequently the cause of a missed period (an anovulatory cycle) and is considered normal if it occurs only once or twice a year. Clotting is also considered normal if it is cyclic.Sporadic episodes of poor diet, high stress, emotional trauma, illness, or strenuous physical exercise are the usual suspects behind occasional anovulatory cycles. Sometimes something as simple as a family holiday or a week with the in-laws will play havoc with a menstrual cycle. Monthly periods are quite susceptible to dips and spikes in our emotions and our health. For the most part, once our lives return to normal, so do our periods.On the other hand, a woman will sometimes skip her period for a few months and then start a heavy period that lasts for days or even weeks. This can be a sign that a woman is entering perimenopause (see above).More and more we are seeing patients of all ages who come in to the clinic with irregular periods due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an easily recognizable and treatable condition that frequently occurs with insulin resistance. With PCOS, the ovaries produce a quantity of follicles that generate high levels of estrogen but never release an egg. The excessive estrogen stimulates the uterine lining to thicken to a point where it must slough off. Women with this condition are not having what are considered “real” menstrual periods because they do not regularly ovulate. For more information, we recommend you start with our article on insulin resistance, where you will find other helpful links about this topic.What if I’m just spotting or not getting a period at all?We’ve all heard stories from friends who’ve suddenly lost a lot of weight or begun a strenuous exercise regimen, then stopped getting their period. Anorexic women or those who exercise two to three hours a day can find their menstrual cycles diminish or stop due to a decrease in body fat. These women have low estrogen and are not ovulating. This is called stress-type hypothalamic amenorrhea, and it occurs when poor nutrition and stress alter the brain’s chemistry and hormone pathways. The brain can’t trigger the right hormones for follicle development, which make the necessary estrogens. Women with this irregularity tend to be at higher risk for bone loss (osteoporosis) and other degenerative conditions and should be evaluated. Click here for more information about amenorrhea.Why does my period come twice a month?In addition to missed periods, we also see women who get more than one period in the span of a month. The causes for this are relatively unknown, but stress and lifestyle seem once again to play a major role. Ingesting medication or other substances that disrupt the luteal phase may be a factor, as well.I bleed really heavily when I get my period. What does this mean?Low progesterone, PCOS, or another form of hormonal imbalance may be the culprit. If a woman has two or more successive months of heavy bleeding, a check-up is called for. Any kind of heavy bleeding can contribute to anemia. When a patient has anemia, we try to stem the heavy menstrual flow and prescribe an iron supplement. Depending on the severity of the situation we may choose from a range of progesterone therapy options along with diet and exercise modifications to help rebalance the hormonal equation. Bioidentical over-the counter, compounded, or prescription formulations are often adequate. A more serious scenario may call for a synthetic progestin such as Aygestin or Provera to bring the bleeding back under control. We will also often suggest acupuncture for relief. Click here for more information about irregular periods in perimenopause.What can I do about my irregular periods?The first step is to talk to a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above. It’s a good idea to do the following:·Have a complete physical, including evaluations of thyroid function and blood pressure. Also, a complete blood count (CBC) test is quite important for the diagnosis of anemia.·A pelvic exam is critical to rule out any uterine abnormality, a cervical polyp or fibroid, or a uterine infection. These are less common causes but should be considered. Often an ultrasound will be required to evaluate the uterus, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Ultrasound of the uterus is useful and painless — you may already be familiar with this technique from pregnancy. If infection is a concern, antibiotics will be prescribed.·If you are trying to become pregnant, consult with a fertility specialist or a qualified ob/gyn practitioner for further testing.What is the treatment for irregular periods?Most of the time, simply decreasing our stress, improving nutrition and adding adequate nutritional supplements can provide a natural way to restore regular menstrual cycles. These steps alone give the body a much needed boost and will support the natural hormonal balance and monthly cycles we are meant to enjoy… and appreciate!If the issue stems from an anovulatory or perimenopausal condition, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills or progesterone to normalize the cycle. This is often successful. For most patients, we’ve seen a big improvement when positive steps are made to change their lifestyle, including:·healthy dietary modifications·supplementing nutritional gaps with a good multivitamin, calcium, magnesium, and fish oil·decreasing intake of refined carbohydrates·moderating your exercise (this may require increasing or decreasing your current level of exercise)·stress relief through exercise or other relaxation techniques·reprioritizing one’s commitmentsFor the majority of women who make these changes, a normal menstrual cycle returns without a hitch. In short, we think that most irregular periods are usually nothing to worry about and can be successfully addressed with straightforward, practical measures available to every woman.http://www.womentowomen.com/menstruation.Missed or Irregular Periods Topic Overview Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. You may be different: You may have more or fewer. Missed or irregular periods must be looked at in terms of what is normal for you.Periods are often irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts. It may take several years for the hormones that control menstruation to reach a balance.Menstrual periods also may be very irregular at the other end of the menstrual years. Many women realize that they are approaching perimenopause and menopause when their otherwise regular periods become irregular. Menopause occurs when it has been 12 months since you have had a menstrual period.Pregnancy is the most common cause of a missed period. If you might be pregnant, treat yourself as though you are pregnant until you know for sure. Use a home pregnancy test as the first step to finding out whether you are pregnant.If you are not pregnant, other causes of missed or irregular periods include:·Excessive weight loss or gain. Although low body weight is a common cause of missed or irregular periods, obesity also can cause menstrual problems. ·Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. For more information, see the topic Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.·Increased exercise. Missed periods are common in endurance athletes.·Extreme emotional stress.·Travel.·Medications, such as hormonal birth control methods, which may cause lighter, less frequent, more frequent, or skipped periods.·Hormonal abnormalities, which cause fluctuating levels of the hormones needed to support menstruation.·Illegal drug use.·Problems with the pelvic organs , such as imperforate hymen, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Asherman’s syndrome.·Breast-feeding. Many women do not resume regular periods until they have completed breast-feeding.http://www.webmd.com/hw/womens_condition. Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle [Printer-friendly version — PDF file, 192 Kb]What is menstruation? What is the menstrual cycle? What happens during the menstrual cycle?What is a typical menstrual period like? What kinds of problems do women have with their periods? At what age does a girl get her first period? How long does a woman have periods? When should I see a health care provider about my period? How often should I change my pad/tampon? What is menstruation? Menstruation is a woman’s monthly bleeding. It is also called menses, menstrual period, or period. When a woman has her period, she is menstruating. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of the uterus (womb). It flows from the uterus through the small opening in the cervix, and passes out of the body through the vagina. Most menstrual periods last from three to five days. What is the menstrual cycle? Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle, which helps a woman’s body prepare for the possibility of pregnancy each month. A cycle starts on the first day of a period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. However, a cycle can range anywhere from 23 days to 35 days. The parts of the body involved in the menstrual cycle include the brain, pituitary gland, uterus and cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. Body chemicals called hormones rise and fall during the month and make the menstrual cycle happen. The ovaries make two important female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), made by the pituitary gland. What happens during the menstrual cycle? In the first half of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen rise and make the lining of the uterus grow and thicken. In response to follicle-stimulating hormone, an egg (ovum) in one of the ovaries starts to mature. At about day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle, in response to a surge of luteinizing hormone, the egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the egg begins to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Progesterone levels rise and help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell and attaches itself to the uterine wall, the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg is not fertilized, it either dissolves or is absorbed into the body. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period. In the illustration below, an egg has left an ovary after ovulation and is on its way through a fallopian tube to the uterus. Image Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration What is a typical menstrual period like? During the menstrual period, the thickened uterine lining and extra blood are shed through the vaginal canal. A woman’s period may not be the same every month, and it may not be the same as other women’s periods. Periods can be light, moderate, or heavy, and the length of the period also varies. While most menstrual periods last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is considered normal. For the first few years after menstruation begins, periods may be very irregular. They may also become irregular in women approaching menopause. Sometimes birth control pills are prescribed to help with irregular periods or other problems with the menstrual cycle. Sanitary pads or tampons, which are made of cotton or another absorbent material, are worn to absorb the blood flow. Sanitary pads are placed inside the panties; tampons are inserted into the vagina. What kinds of problems do women have with their periods? Women can have various kinds of problems with their periods, including pain, heavy bleeding, and skipped periods. ·Amenorrhea – the lack of a menstrual period. This term is used to describe the absence of a period in young women who haven’t started menstruating by age 16, or the absence of a period in women who used to have a regular period. Causes of amenorrhea include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and extreme weight loss caused by serious illness, eating disorders, excessive exercising, or stress. Hormonal problems (involving the pituitary, thyroid, ovary, or adrenal glands) or problems with the reproductive organs may be involved. ·Dysmenorrhea – painful periods, including severe menstrual cramps. In younger women, there is often no known disease or condition associated with the pain. A hormone called prostaglandin is responsible for the symptoms. Some pain medicines available over the counter, such as ibuprofen, can help with these symptoms. Sometimes a disease or condition, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, causes the pain. Treatment depends on what is causing the problem and how severe it is. ·Abnormal uterine bleeding-vaginal bleeding that is different from normal menstrual periods. It includes very heavy bleeding or unusually long periods (also called menorrhagia), periods too close together, and bleeding between periods. In adolescents and women approaching menopause, hormone imbalance problems often cause menorrhagia along with irregular cycles. Sometimes this is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). Other causes of abnormal bleeding include uterine fibroids and polyps. Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause. At what age does a girl get her first period? Menarche is another name for the beginning of menstruation. In the United States, the average age a girl starts menstruating is 12. However, this does not mean that all girls start at the same age. A girl can begin menstruating anytime between the ages of 8 and 16. Menstruation will not occur until all parts of a girl’s reproductive system have matured and are working together. How long does a woman have periods? Women usually continue having periods until menopause. Menopause occurs around the age of 51, on average. Menopause means that a woman is no longer ovulating (producing eggs) and therefore can no longer become pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and may take several years to occur. Some women have early menopause because of surgery or other treatment, illness, or other reasons. When should I see a health care provider about my period? You should consult your health care provider for the following: ·If you have not started menstruating by the age of 16. ·If your period has suddenly stopped. ·If you are bleeding for more days than usual. ·If you are bleeding excessively. ·If you suddenly feel sick after using tampons. ·If you bleed between periods (more than just a few drops). ·If you have severe pain during your period. How often should I change my pad/tampon? Sanitary napkins (pads) should be changed as often as necessary, before the pad is soaked with menstrual flow. Each woman decides for herself what is comfortable. Tampons should be changed often (at least every 4-8 hours). Make sure that you use the lowest absorbency of tampon needed for your flow. For example, do not use super absorbency on the lightest day of your period. This can put you at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but potentially deadly disease. Women under 30, especially teenagers, are at a higher risk for TSS. Using any kind of tampon – cotton or rayon of any absorbency – puts a woman at greater risk for TSS than using menstrual pads. The risk of TSS can be lessened or avoided by not using tampons, or by alternating between tampons and pads during your period. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following tips to help avoid tampon problems: ·Follow package directions for insertion. ·Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow. ·Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours. ·Consider alternating pads with tampons. ·Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome (see below). ·Don’t use tampons between periods. If you experience any of the following symptoms while you are menstruating and using tampons, you should contact your health care provider immediately: ·High fever that appears suddenly ·Muscle aches ·Diarrhea ·Dizziness and/or fainting ·Sunburn-like rash ·Sore throat ·Bloodshot eyes For more information… To learn more about menstruation, contact the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations: Food and Drug Administration Phone Number(s): (888) 463-6332 Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov/ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center Phone Number(s): (800) 762-2264 x 192 (for publications requests only) Internet Address: www.acog.org Nemours Foundation Phone Number(s): (302) 651-4046 Internet Address: http://www.nemours.org/internet. All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the source is appreciated. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/menstru.htm.Premenstrual Syndromehttp://www.4woman.gov/faq/pms.htm.What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?What are the symptoms of PMS?How common is PMS?What treatment is available for PMS?What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?See also… * Menstruation and the Menstrual CycleWhat is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur in the week or two weeks before your period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your normal activities at home, school, or work. Menopause, when monthly periods stop, brings an end to PMS.The causes of PMS are not yet clear. Some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress does not seem to cause PMS, but may make it worse. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age.PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms. Diagnosis of PMS is usually based on your symptoms, when they occur, and how much they affect your life.What are the symptoms of PMS?PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms are: * breast swelling and tenderness * fatigue and trouble sleeping * upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea * headache * appetite changes or food cravings * joint or muscle pain * tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells * anxiety or depression * trouble concentrating or remembering.Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think you have PMS, try keeping track of your symptoms for several menstrual cycles. You can use a calendar to note which symptoms you are having on which days of your cycle, and how bad the symptoms are. If you seek medical care for your PMS, having this kind of record is helpful.How common is PMS?Estimates of the percentage of women affected by PMS vary widely. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 40 percent of menstruating women report some symptoms of PMS. Most of these women have symptoms that are fairly mild and do not need treatment. Some women (perhaps five to ten percent of menstruating women) have a more severe form of PMS.What treatment is available for PMS?Many treatments have been tried for easing the symptoms of PMS. However, no treatment has been found that works for everyone. A combination of lifestyle changes and other treatment may be needed. If your PMS is not so bad that you need medical help, a healthier lifestyle may help you feel better and cope with symptoms. * Adopt a healthier way of life. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, choose healthy foods, don’t smoke, and find ways to manage stress in your life. * Try avoiding excess salt, sugary foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially when you are having PMS symptoms. * Be sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Take a multivitamin every day that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid. A calcium supplement with vitamin D can help keep bones strong and may help with PMS symptoms. * In more severe cases, drugs such as diuretics, ibuprofen, birth control pills, or antidepressants may be used.Although PMS does not seem to be related to abnormal hormone levels, some women respond to hormonal treatment. For example, one approach has been to use drugs such as birth control pills to stop ovulation from occurring. There is evidence that a brain chemical, serotonin, plays a role in severe forms of PMS. Antidepressants that alter serotonin in the body have been shown to help many women with severe PMS.What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?PMDD is a severe, disabling form of PMS. In PMDD, the main symptoms are mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, tension, and persistent anger or irritability. These severe symptoms lead to problems with relationships and carrying out normal activities. Women with PMDD usually also have physical symptoms, such as headache, joint and muscle pain, lack of energy, bloating and breast tenderness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a woman must have at least five of the typical symptoms to be diagnosed with PMDD. The symptoms must occur during the two weeks before her period and go away when bleeding begins.Research has shown that antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help many women with PMDD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two such medications to date for treatment of PMDD – sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Sarafem).For More Information…To learn more about premenstrual syndrome, contact the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:National Institute of Mental HealthPhone Number(s): (301) 443-4513Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource CenterPhone Number(s): (202) 863-2518Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/American Psychiatric AssociationPhone Number(s): (202) 682-6000Internet Address: http://www.psych.org/The Hormone FoundationPhone Number(s): (800) 467-6663Internet Address: http://www.hormone.org/All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the sources is appreciated.