Patient's question:
I am sixteen years old, and my periods have never been regular. They are either early or late. Is that okay?Doctor's answer:
A normal menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days long, with ovulation occurring about two weeks after the start of menstruation and two weeks before the next menstrual period begins. Most women have their period every 28-30 days, but a delay or advancement of up to 7 days is still considered normal. The duration of menstruation is usually 3-7 days, with an average blood loss of about 30-50 milliliters per period. However, "a normal cycle" is only a relative concept, especially for teenagers and women approaching menopause.Advice: Almost anything can cause irregular menstrual cycles, including stress, illness, recently taken medications, or the use of hormonal contraception methods.