Females: Your Period / Question
Published: August 3, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I started my period around the 12th of July and well, it hasn't stopped. At first it was light and brown so I thought it was just the old blood coming out like normal. But it's August now and it hasn't stopped and it's gotten heavier and redder. I told my mom but I don't think she took it seriously. Is it serious? What does it mean? Thanks.
Signed: Period Hasn't Stopped Since It Started In July
Dear Period Hasn't Stopped Since It Started In July,
TeenHealthFX does recommend that you meet with a medical health professional as soon as possible so you can find out what is causing this extended period. There are two concerns here – three weeks is a very long time to have a continuous period, and it sounds like the length of this period is significantly longer than what you are used to. Both issues suggest that a visit to your doctor is in order.
There are many, many different causes of an irregular period and heavy menstrual bleeding. Depending on the exact symptoms a person is having regarding a heavier period, it could be a result of excessive dieting and/or exercise, a blood blotting disorder, or some kind of uterine or ovarian disease – just to name a few. It is also possible that after a medical exam your doctor may find that your menstrual cycle is simply not regular yet – this may especially be true if you have recently begun menstruation. But a visit to the doctor is warranted so that you can find out the exact reason, put your mind at ease by knowing the specific reason, and get any medical treatments that may be necessary.
For future reference, here are some general recommendations as to when to see a healthcare provider regarding your period (per Planned Parenthood):
See a medical care provider if you:
· bleed much longer than usual
· bleed much heavier than usual
· do not start menstruating by 16
· have severe pain during or before your period
· have unusual bleeding between periods
· suddenly feel sick or get a fever when using tampons
· use more than one pad or tampon every 2 hours
· your period or PMS keeps you from doing what you would normally do
· your period stops or suddenly becomes irregular
·
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment. You can also contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood, or call your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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