Know Your Flow

Don’t Let Cramps ‘Cramp’ Your Style: 5 Ways To Prevent and Manage Period Pain

Don’t let cramps keep you on the sidelines. Check out these tips to keep them under control.

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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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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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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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Missing Your Period? Here’s Why It Happens

Even if your period tends to be regular, an occasional delay, or even a skipped period, can be normal.

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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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Are your periods irregular? What’s normal and what isn’t?

Learn the signs your body is giving you so you know when an irregular period is more than the body making a normal adjustment.

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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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Got Cramps? Exercises for relief

Check out these exercises that can help relieve pain from mild to moderate cramps.

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How to Tell When Your Period Is Starting and Ending

By Dr. Staci Tanouye, OB/GYN, MD Are you often surprised when your period comes around? It’s never fun to be caught off-guard. That’s why I’m going to share some signs that may...

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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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What Causes Irregular Periods?

Get to know the common causes of irregular periods.

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Understanding Vaginal Discharge with Tips from an OB/GYN

By Dr. Staci Tanouye OB/GYN, MD Are you curious about vaginal discharge and wondering if it’s normal or not? The good news, it’s completely normal and healthy. In fact, vaginal discharge...

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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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Menstrual Cycle Phases

If you’re here, you’re probably familiar with the idea that your period comes every month. But did you know that your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases, only one of which includes...

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Stress, Your Period and You

So here’s the situation: you’ve totally got a handle on the period tracker and you’re unstoppable. You know how to predict when your period is coming, how long to expect it to last,...

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

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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Is It PMS or PMDD? How to Tell When You Need Help with Your Premenstrual Blues

Nearly eighty percent of women experience mood symptoms in association with their periods. Know when to talk to someone about your symptoms.

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Ovulation and Fertility

Being aware of your menstrual cycle and when you’re most fertile is key when you’re trying to get pregnant.

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Your Body After Your Baby’s Delivery

For nine months, you've been focused on the birth. Knowing what to expect afterwards makes it easier to feel in control of a new body.

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Putting Off Periods: The Pros and Cons of Fooling Mother Nature

Whatever the reasons women delay their periods, it's important to be aware of the health risks of interfering with the menstrual cycle.

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Pregnancy and Menstruation

Learn more about your period and pregnancy.

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Feminine Protection After Pregnancy

Choosing the right post-pregnancy protection will help keep you comfortable and dry, so you can concentrate on taking care of baby.

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