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having irregular periods for years
(from the USA)
I've had my period for a few years (I'm 16 now, I'm not sure when I got it but it was somewhere around 11-13)
When I first got it, it was heavy and a deep purple-ish and/or brown. It was like this for a few months until it gradually became a deep red.
It has always been irregular since I got it.
I get it anytime of the month, sometimes I skip months sometimes I don't,(there where times where it was 3 or so at a time) and it ranges from super light to moderately heavy.
Sometimes I get cramps, other times I don't at all. And when I do they range from mild enough I can ignore them easily, to waking my mom up at 3 in the morning because they're so bad I can't sleep and I don't know what to do.(They only have been that bad a few times, usually lasting an hour or so and sometimes I feel them running through my thighs[these are the worst ones])
I have spotting sometimes, usually a day or two before I get it, sometimes my period is pretty much just spotting, at least for the first few days...sometimes I just get some cramps the day before and other times it just suddenly is there with no warning.
I always describe it as "it does whatever it wants"
I am currently underweight and have been losing/gaining weight frequently the last few months (have been very thin since I was born, but for a few years[including the time I got my period] I was a healthy weight),
I have an eating problem that started months ago but it's not Bulimia or Anorexia or anything like that(I posted another question in nutrition about it: "nauseous when I'm hungry, problems eating"),
and am under a lot of stress from time to time, which I know can effect it, but I think it's a little strange for it to always have been like this if any of those were the causes.
And before you suggest the doctor, my mom won't take me. Not even for my eating problem(which she thinks is all in my head). And I'm homeschooled so I can't ask a teacher or anything. And if I bugged her too much or went without her she'd be pissed. She said that irregular periods are normal, which I somewhat agree, the only reason I'm looking into it and asking now is because with my other health issues and the fact that it has been like this for this long I'm wondering if it could be caused by something serious or if it is in fact, normal and unrelated.
I don't know, I'm hoping you guys will be able to give me some insight on what it could be or give me some advice. Because frankly, it's getting annoying never knowing when it comes or how heavy it will be. Plus I would like to know if I'm worrying over nothing or if this, in fact, is a problem.
Sorry it's so long and for any unrelated or unnecessary comments/information.
Any thoughts or comments you could give would be greatly appreciated, even if it's not that helpful, It's nice to know someone is reading all the questions I ask...
Thank you greatly for reading
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Maybe give some free advice about: Menstrual/Period Issues?
The fact that you are 16 and your main concern is your irregular makes answering this question easy.
Their is a Federal Law called HIPPA. Within that Law is a section that allows anyone over the age of 14 to see a doctor without parental permission and with full medical confidentiality, for anything concerning their reproductive system. Your concerns about your period qualify you to see any doctor of your choosing to discuss this problem and any other health concerns you feel may be affecting this problem/
If you don't want to use your parent sheath insurance then go to a free clinic or a hospital emergency room. There are programs you qualify for to be treated for free. Most importantly though is to tell the doctor or hospital you wish to be seen under the rules of HIPPA. This means that no one can see your medical records for this visit or any other visit under the rules of HIPPA without you written consent to the doctor. This includes your parents.
No judge will violate this protection and order the release of this information should your mom try to get a court order. This law was passed by congress for person just like you who needed to see a doctor but for reasons was not able to or fearful of parents finding out. It is also meant to allow young people to get medical help or have questions answered they would not ask their parents for.
Your mother is correct that a young women's periods are irregular. At your age and for as long as you have been having your period they should be becoming more regular. You should see a gynecologist(GYN). If nothing is wrong the GYN will most likely prescribe birth control pill to regulate your period.
While your with the GYN talk to him or her about the stress you are under. Stress is a leading cause of missed periods. It is also a cause for lack of appetite and being underweight is more harmful than being a little overweight. The doctor should be able to help you there as well.
I normally do not recommend going against a parent's wishes or to try and hide things from your parents. Just for the record I am old enough to be your grandfather. You have every right to see a doctor and no parent should keep a child from seeing a doctor when they feel they need to. If money is a concern as to why mom will not take you to a doctor then as I said either go to a free women's clinic or a hospital ER.
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