The Best Kept Secret
Despite the fact that your `time of the month` is out in the open and no longer has to be a hushed topic many women are still hesitant to talk about it, not just with their friends, families or partners--but even with their doctor. Truthfully the last is the worst of all because what you think may be `normal` may not be and the only one who can tell the difference is your health care provider.
- Abnormal periods can occur from a multitude of reasons such as:
- You have been recently ill
- Under extreme amounts of stress
- You`ve recently become very active in sports activities
No one is sure why the last one occurs but it is a normal happening for women who participate in intense sporting activities. Even if you`re a young woman who has just begun menstruation, skipping periods or irregularity in your cycle is normal for the first few years. However, if you experience any of the following--it`s time to call a doctor:
- Your period lasts longer than 7 days
- After only one to two hours you have to change your tampon or pad
- Your menstruation cycle is longer than 31 to 35 days apart
- You suddenly begin experiencing very intense and painful cramping
- Your cycle is less than 2 weeks apart
- You`re younger than 11 or are postmenopausal and any amount of vaginal bleeding occurs
- If you are over the age of 16 and haven`t begun menstruating yet, this could be symptomatic of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Remember ladies, there is absolutely nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about when it comes to your menstruation--it is a natural occurrence in your body. You are the one person who is completely in tuned with your body and it is up to you to take the first step if you are experiencing abnormal periods and contact your physicians.