Know Your Flow

How do you know when your period is actually finished for period calendars? Is it when the blood stops or when the discharge stops?

Peer Answer: Because discharge can happen at any time, I’ve always used the end of my blood flow to signal the end of my period. However, if you consistently have discharge after your period, you can include that...

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Is it normal for period blood to be really dark after starting a new birth control?

Peer Answer: I think the different levels of hormones in birth control can affect how your period is. I would see what Dr. Molly has to say about specifics when it comes to this though. She would know much more...

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Can having sex mess with your period? Like make it irregular or come early or late?

Peer Answer: I believe hormones from sex can affect your period. I’m not too sure on all the exact details so definitely check out what Dr. Molly has to say for this one. She’ll have a much better answer for you!

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The Details on Discharge

Normal vaginal discharge is a natural part of the way a woman's body functions. Read on to find out how to take care of, respect and celebrate your wonderful body.

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It's been more than a week and I'm still bleeding. Will it stop soon or should I see my doctor?

Peer Answer: If your period is lasting longer than 9 days, I think it's time to visit your healthcare professional to see what's going on, just to be on the safe side. And while you're at it, maybe check out this...

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On the last day of my period, my vagina always feels like it’s burning. I'm not sexually active, so what's going on?

Peer Answer: Ouch! Burning is never a good feeling to have, whether you’re sexually active or not. I think it would be best for you to talk to your healthcare professional and have it checked out. You shouldn’t...

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Why do I always have so much discharge before and after my period?

Peer Answer: I’m going to start by assuring you that vaginal discharge (especially around the time of your period) is normal. If it bothers you to have discharge on your panties the days before and after your...

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Why is my period worse some months than others?

Peer Answer: I don't know exactly why. But I have totally been there. For 2 years on and off in high school, I had the worst cramps ever. I'm talking about reduced to tears and having to go home from school type...

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What happens when you're on your period for too long?

Peer Answer: I'm not totally sure what you mean by "too long." Period length can vary a ton! I've had three- or four-day periods, but I've also definitely had seven- to eight-day periods. If you feel like your...

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What's wrong when you have your period for three weeks?

Peer Answer: Goodness girl! As if a week weren’t enough? While my periods have never been like clockwork, I’ve never had one last for three weeks. You really should talk to your healthcare provider about any...

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When I fly on a plane, my period gets really heavy. Is it the pressure or something that causes this? Is this even normal?

Peer Answer: I can’t say exactly what is causing this. It could be the pressure, or it could be the stress caused by flying. Those are both shots in the dark. I’d assume that the effect flying has on your body is...

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When the blood is coming out during your period, will you know it is happening?

Peer Answer: If you’ve had your period long enough, you’ll most likely know just because you can expect what it feels like when it’s happening. I’ve had my period for about a decade (wow, nothing like a statement...

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Why am I bleeding brown blood 2 weeks after my period?

Peer Answer: Most likely, the discharge you are seeing is blood (mixed with your ordinary "self-cleaning" discharge - giving it that brownish color) that wasn't flushed out during your period. I've had this happen...

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Sometimes my period stops on the fourth day, then picks up again on the fifth. Is that normal?

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The last period I had lasted longer than normal. I am now 7 days late for this month's period. Could there be any correlation between those things?

Peer Answer: My period is fairly consistent, yet its start date can vary by a day or two (being irregular is what’s regular for me). So, I’m not really sure of the answer to this…maybe our health expert Molly can...

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What Causes Irregular Periods?

Get to know the common causes of irregular periods.

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What does it mean when blackish-brownish stuff starts to come out of my vagina? I haven't started my period yet.

Peer Answer: Despite stereotypical (and excruciatingly inaccurate) portrayals of what being on your period looks like, period blood doesn't actually look like regular blood, most of the time at least. A lot of the...

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What exactly is breakthrough bleeding and how is it different from my period?

Peer Answer: Breakthrough bleeding is any bleeding aside from your actual period. One of the few times I’ve ever had breakthrough bleeding was while taking birth control pills. But I have also heard that stress...

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I've had my period for a month, and the blood is bright red. My doc says it's nothing to worry about. They found a complex cyst the size of my ovary, and my endometrium is thickened. What does this all mean? I can't get a straight answer out of my doc.

Peer Answer: It sounds like you need a new doctor! Even though it's a healthcare professional's job to help us figure out complex medical issues, it's important to find a person you trust and who will take the...

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Is it possible to have your period without having blood come out? I get all the symptoms except for the blood coming out.

Peer Answer: Yes, this is possible, and there are quite a few causes for having period symptoms with bleeding. One cause is hormonal imbalances based on age, stress, pregnancy, and other factors. Why not check out...

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Is your period blood supposed to smell like fish, or is that abnormal?

Peer Answer: There are a lot of different smells that can come from down there and it’s great that you are asking this question. If you think about it, smelling is one way of listening to your body. Every woman...

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Lately my period has become more like normal blood. Bright red, no clumps, and no odor. Is there something wrong? This isn't normal for me.

Peer Answer: I like that you used the phrase "normal for me." It tells me you understand that what's "normal" for someone else might not be "normal" for you! My "normal" (i.e., typical) period usually alternates...

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How many days should I have between periods? I don't have mine at the same time every month.

Peer Answer: Before having my period managed by birth control, the length of time between my periods varied between 25 and 27 days. But it was never like clockwork. Each month was a little different from the next....

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I think I'm only bleeding from one side. The past few months, my tampon has come out half soiled and half white. HELP!

Peer Answer: Rest assured, you’re not bleeding from one side! The reason why half of your tampon is soiled may be due to sheer coincidence, or it may be due to changing your tampon too often. Sometimes changing...

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I had a metallic smell when I had my last period. Is that normal?

Peer Answer: The metallic smell is normal. It’s just iron in your blood. I wouldn’t worry too much. If you feel it’s become too overwhelming, talk to your healthcare professional. It’s always good to talk to them...

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I had my first period nearly 2 months ago and haven't had anything since. Was it really my first period?

Peer Answer: Yes, there are a handful of things that can affect a girl's period, especially when she's within her first year or so of having them!  Mine certainly wasn't "regular" when I first started either. Both...

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I had two periods last month - one at the beginning and one at the end. Does the second one count for the next month?

Peer Answer: I've had the same thing happen to me before. Every so often, I'll have two periods separated by only 2 to 2½ weeks. When the second one starts I usually sit there for a quick second thinking to...

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I just started my period and then I took a shower and I'm not bleeding anymore. Is that normal?

Peer Answer: When you’re a period newbie, irregular periods can be the norm. Your hormones are in a constant state of flux, causing your period to be a little…well…wonky. That said, I do find my period runs...

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I'm not sure exactly what a "light flow" or a "heavy flow" is. I think my first period was light, and it lasted 4 days. Should my flow fluctuate?

Peer Answer: Light flow and heavy flow are kind of what they sound like. A light flow is when you’re not bleeding a lot. A heavier flow is the opposite. It’s more blood and you may be soaking through your tampon...

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How can having the flu or having a cold affect your period?

Peer Answer: With flu season just around the corner, I bet a lot of girls are wondering about this. The physical stress of a cold or flu does have the potential to throw your period off, especially if you’re a...

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How can I stop my period for a week of vacation?

Peer Answer: Ah, yes. Periods and vacations can be a totally annoying combination! I have in the past skipped my placebo week on my birth control pills in order to skip my period if I have an event or vacation...

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How do I know when my next period will be?

Peer Answer: Technology makes it really easy for people to track their cycles online. I like mymonthlycycles.com or TheCarrot.com. You can also track your periods using your iPhone with apps like PMS Buddy. If...

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How heavy should your period be at night? I soak the sheets, while wearing a tampon and an overnight super plus pad. I'm only 13.

Peer Answer: Every woman’s flow is different and can change not only with each period but her throughout her lifetime. For the first few years of my period my flow was really heavy. As I’ve gotten older it has...

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Can heavy periods make you feel weak? If so, should I take an iron supplement or eat high-iron foods?

Peer Answer: Even though I know that it feels like you're gushing buckets of blood while on your period, it's actually only 6-8 teaspoons. I don't use any sort of supplement when I'm on my period, but I do make...

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Can stress cause spotting?

Peer Answer: You know what? I wondered this myself. I wouldn’t think so because I’m not quite sure to how the two would be connect, but it’s a possibility. Our health expert, Michelle, might be able to provide a...

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Can your cycle change when you lose your virginity?

Peer Answer: That is a really good question. I honestly don’t know. I’m curious now, too, so I will be checking back to see what our health expert, Sandy, has to say about this one. You should definitely check out...

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Does being vegetarian affect your periods? I've noticed that since I stopped eating most meats I still eat fish and eggs I've had heavier flow and much worse cramps.

Peer Answer: I haven’t eaten red meat in over 15 years, so here are a couple tips I followed when making the switch. 1) Eat a balanced diet – it’s common for people who cut out meat to replace it with breads and...

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Is a pregnancy test accurate if you take it during your period?

Peer Answer: I personally don’t have much experience with this, but if you’re having a period, the likelihood that you are pregnant is slim. If you haven’t missed your period (or are experiencing period-like...

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I'm having my wisdom teeth taken out and just got my period. I'm freaking out because I don't want anything to go wrong or be too high on pain killers and not be able to change my tampon. I don't want to tell my doctor if I don't have to. Help!

Peer Answer: Well, considering I woke up from my wisdom teeth removal singing “My Humps,” I don’t blame you for being nervous -- those meds can do crazy things! But I think the best thing to do here is plan ahead....

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If I'm on the pill and I'm late, what should I do?

Peer Answer: Many things can affect your cycle. I know if I'm completely stressed out, my period may be late showing up to the party and it can definitely be pretty nerve-wracking. Excessive weight gain or loss or...

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I faint when I get my period (not from the sight). How can I stop this from happening?

Peer Answer: I’ve never had this happen to me before, so I don’t want to give you wrong advice. I have definitely experienced severe cramping though. I think I would note the symptoms you have before you faint...

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Why do our stomachs get thinner and our hips get wider during puberty? And how long after your first period does this happen?

Peer Answer: You know how as you get older you get taller? Well other parts of your body "grow up," too. If you are going through puberty (which happens gradually over several years) you may notice your breasts...

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