Females: Your Period / Question
Published: January 28, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I recently had sex with my boyfriend. We were protected, and I am sure I am not pregnant. However, when my period came two weeks after (a day or two ahead of schedule) instead of being heavy and read like it normally is, it is very light and dark brown and has been this way for 3 days. I am stressed out about finals that are coming up, so it may be related to sex. Is this normal? I am going in to get a check up soon anyway, so should I bring it up with the doctor, or am I just fretting over nothing?
Signed: Just A Sixteen Year Old Without A Mom
Dear Just A Sixteen Year Old Without A Mom,
TeenHealthFX is glad that you have made an appointment to see your doctor. It is important for a woman to see her doctor on a regular basis. This problem is definitely something that you should share with her. When is your appointment? If it is not within the next week you may want to call and see if you can get in sooner.
You said that you were protected when having sex with your boyfriend, good for you. However, even if you were there is always a chance that you may be pregnant. It does not sound that way, as your body seems to be trying to menstruate. However, it is better to know for sure and your doctor will be able to help you with all of your options.
This light bleeding or spotting that you are experiencing could be caused by stress as you said. A woman's menstrual cycle can be sensitive at times to things like stress, weather, and illness. Your period is really like your body's tattletale when something isn't exactly right. Don't ignore it, but don't be too worried either. Depending upon how long you have had your period for, it may still be a bit irregular and there is nothing abnormal about this. A girl's period will tend to come in different strength's and at different times for the first few years.
Take a step back and relax. Remember, if you are going to be sexually active please be safe and use protection. Ask your doctor about birth control if you feel that it may be right for you as an additional source of protection. It may also help to regulate your cycle. Also be sure that you are eating properly. We know that stress or irregular eating habits can wreak havoc with the menstrual cycle. Take care of yourself and try to manage your stress effectively. Stress is an ongoing fact of life that we all need to deal with. Check out our answer to I.M. Stressed for some ideas on how to handle stress in a healthy way.
Good Luck!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2005, 38% were speeding at the time of the crash and 24% had been drinking.
