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Long period cycles
I'm 13 years old (female, obviously) and my period cycles are really long. I got my period this year during the summer and ever since the second cycle I've had period cycles that last for longer than 7 days. The longest was 13 days. I'm not old enough to see a gynecologist near me about this but I really want to know why my period cycles are longer than usually. Thank you!
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Want to answer more questions in the Sexual Health and Reproduction category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Menstrual/Period Issues?
Hon, in most cases, when a teen gets their period for the first time, the following year will be nothing but irregular, and perhaps up to 18 months from your 1st period.
It is a matter of your body not knowing what to do yet and the hormones have to work a bit harder at getting your body on to a regular schedule. In the meanwhile its quite commom to have varying lengths of period or the times in between varying.
Examples from my 14th year: periods of 1 to 3 days, periods of over 7 days, periods that were mostly just bits of spotting that lasted 2 weeks. I also had periods close together, less than a month apart, or had a space of 2 or 3 months before the next. In time, I became regular and when on to birth 3 children.
I agree, once having a period, if there is a problem, you can be seen by a Doctor and mom would need to make the appointment.
At yearly check ups, my Dr. always asked if I had ever had any extreme cramps or other abdominal pains with a period or if I had excessively heavy bleeding where I couldn't change pads fast enough to absord, or have to change every 10 to 15 mins. And if I ever had those symptoms, then I needed to see them immediately as those are signs of a serious problem. The only young girls that I know of who needed help from a gynnecologist were those who had heavy bleeding, they were put on birth control meds to regulate the bleeding and that treatment works. I've never heard yet of a girl with strangle lengths to period or length between needing a physical exam let aloe meds. Talking of this to the Dr. may be all that happens and they'll reassure its normal and to call if you have certain symptoms they will list.
Its best to be safe than sorry..
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I don't know who told you are not old enough to see a gynecologist but they are wrong. Once a female starts menstruating she should see a gynecologist for various reason.
What you are is a year to young to make you own doctor's appointment. At 13 mom still has to make your doctors appointments for anything having to do with your reproductive system. By Federal law called HIPPA at age 14 you may make your own doctors appointments and see any doctor of your choosing for anything related to your reproductive system with full medical confidentiality.
That being said, have you spoken to your mother about the length of your periods. This is nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a bodily function that you and mom share. This is really no different than going to mom with any other illness or problem you might have like constipation.
Mom will know if this is something to be concerned about and whether you need to see a doctor. she can call her GYN and see if he or she wants to see you. So my best advice is to talk to mom. When you turn 14 you can call the doctor on your own to see if something like this requires an office visit with the protection of Federal Law.
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