TeenHealthFX - Answers - Period Not Regular

Females: Your Period / Question
Published: September 26, 2001

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I got my first period last December. After that I didn't get it for another 6 months. Then until November I had fairly regular periods. But then, at the very beginning of November I had my period straight for 5 weeks. It wasn't very heavy. Then, throughout December I had it on and off, it was quite light. I would have it for 3 days; it would stop for 3 days. What is wrong with me? Does this have anything to do with missing my period for 6 months? I have my period right now, except I have had it for about 5 days. Is this just hormones, bad eating habits, not enough exercise? I ride my horse 4 times a week at least, cross-country ski and down hill ski, and jog about 2 times a week in the summer. Help!!!

Signed: Period Not Regular - Help!

Dear Period Not Regular - Help!,

Since you have only been menstruating for a little over a year it is not uncommon that it is irregular. During the first few years a females cycle will tend to be sporadic. The average cycle length can last anywhere from 2-8 days and come every 21 to 35 days.

Some girls can have very prolonged bleeding during the first few years of their periods. It can become quite distressing to bleed for such prolonged periods. Luckily, this can be easily treated. There are also some medical conditions that result in prolonged periods. You should make an appointment with your doctor or an Adolescent Medicine doctor to discuss this. Also, you should contact your doctor for any period lasting longer than 7 days..

You are correct that the level of activity, exercise, weather and stress are all factors that can effect your cycle. Diet can also affect your period. If you are not consuming the proper amount of calories, fat and nutrients it will cause you to not menstruate.

Again, TeenHealthFX recommends that you discuss your periods with your doctor, an adolescent medicine specialist or a gynecologist (a doctor that specialized in women's reproductive health care). They can evaluate your level of exercise, eating habits and menstrual history to determine if your cycles are normal for you. If you don't have a doctor and live in the northern New Jersey area you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.889.6350 or Girl's Street - A Young Women's Health Program at 908.522.2555.

Good luck to you.

Signed: TeenHealthFX