Females: Your Period / Question
Published: December 17, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 18 and have been menstruating regularly. I am 5'10 and weight 175 lbs. I get my period sometimes two weeks apart and sometimes I get my period normally. When I get an irregular period, I am never prepared for it. My irregular periods tend to be less heavy and no cramping occurs. I told my doctor about this and she examined my lower abdomen and didn't think anything was wrong. She suggested maybe getting x-rays at a hospital or going on birth control. I really don't want to go on birth control, but what else can I do?
Signed: Irregular Periods - What Can I Do?
Dear Irregular Periods - What Can I Do?,
TeenHealthFX hears how concerned you are. Irregular periods are no fun, and are not something that you should have to live with.
Going to your doctor what the best thing to do. Only a medical professional can examine you, diagnose the problem and prescribe a course of action that will help you to feel better. What you need to do is either go back to your doctor and discuss what other options may be available to you or see a different doctor and get a second opinion.
Either way, rest assured, many young women have experienced similar symptoms and have managed to regulate their periods with the help of their doctors. You can too. If you live in Northern New Jersey and would like to make an appointment with a new doctor, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475. Outside of Northern New Jersey try calling your local teen health center or local Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org).
Good luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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