Teen Menstrual Cycle

Most women will have regular menstrual cycles that occur on a 28 day cycle. However just as the age of onset varies, so too does the length. Some women's cycles will be as short as 22 days, whereas others will last 36 days. During that time you may bleed from four to seven days. During adolescence, menstrual cycles are often irregular.

How can I keep track of my cycle?
The easiest way to keep track of your menstrual cycle is by creating a calendar. You can detail every day that you bleed on the calendar, beginning with the first day of your period.

If you bleed more frequently than every 21 days or your periods are regularly longer than 45 days apart, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a health care provider to ensure that there are no underlying hormonal or other reproductive problems.

How can I tell if there is a problem?
There are some sure fire signs that you should go in for an exam. These include any of the following symptoms:

• You haven't developed your first period by the age of 16.
  
• Your periods are more often than every 21 days or occur more than 45 days apart.
  
• You bleed in between cycles.
  
• You experience severe pain during your period that is not relieved with over the counter medications.
  

• Your periods are unusually heavy, requiring that you change your pad or tampon up to once an hour for three or four hours straight.
  

Why might my cycle be off?
There are many reasons you may be experience abnormal periods. Remember that early on most teens have irregular cycles.

There are some situations however that can influence the menstrual cycle and lead to abnormal periods. Missed periods may for example, be the first sign of pregnancy if you are sexually active.

Sometimes the ovary fails to release an egg regularly, which can result in an absent or missing period.

Sexually transmitted diseases can also interfere with normal menstrual cycles.

It is also possible that you may have a clotting disorder or other condition if your periods are particularly heavy.

What will happen when I go to the doctor?
If you are regularly having abnormal periods, you doctor will ask questions about the frequency and duration of your period.

They will want to know whether or not you are sexually active, and what age your periods started. It is possible that your doctor will also perform a pelvic examination. This is usually more common in teens that are sexually active, because the possibility exists for an STD.

It is vital that you take care of yourself and keep track of your monthly cycles, so you can recognize any patterns that exist or changes to your cycles that might indicate an infection or other problem.

A healthcare provider can work with you to help further diagnose any problems you may be having, as well as recommend treatment options.

If you are sexually active, a visit to your healthcare provider can also result in a prescription for birth control pills or other contraceptives that will help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Remember that you are never too young to start taking charge of your health and seeking help when needed!