Period Basics

How to Prepare for Your First Period

Getting your first period can be exciting, nerve-wracking and confusing all at once. No matter which combination of emotions you’re feeling, there’s no need to worry!

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Is it normal for my legs to ache during my period? I always find it really hard to walk since my legs hurt so much while I'm menstruating!

Peer Answer: Personally, I’ve never experienced aching legs during my period, but some poking around on the Internet revealed that it’s a very common symptom of PMS. Beyond that, I’m not much of an expert on the...

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What should I do about cramps at school?

Peer Answer: Always be prepared! If your period is regular, you should kind of have an idea of when it’s going to start every month. What I would do is always have pad or tampon in my backpack or purse if I knew I...

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Can I swim while I am on my period?

Peer Answer: Absolutely! There is no reason to miss out on hitting the beach with friends just because you're on your period. For the longest time I wasn't comfortable with the idea of swimming while I was on my...

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Can I take a shower when I have my period?

Peer Answer: Absolutely! You may even want to shower or bathe more often while on your period. I tend to take more baths just to relax and ease cramps. You might notice a little bit of blood dripping out if you...

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The (Amazing) Science Behind Periods

Get to know your amazing body and the science behind how periods work.

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How to Plan Ahead for Your Period

OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye shares her tips on when to know your period is coming and how to stay prepared.

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Do your breasts stop growing when you get your period? Mine are still REALLY small and I got my period last year.

Peer Answer: Everyone is different when it comes to puberty and development, but the majority of my girlfriends continued to develop well into their teenage years and 20s.  And before you go gaga for tatas,...

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My First Period Guide

Your first period isn’t something you need to hide. This guide is full of useful information and FAQs to help you understand and manage your first period.

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I've thrown up during my last two periods. Is that normal? Will it happen every month?

Peer Answer: Sometimes I can get a little nauseous right before my period too. Are there other changes in your cycle?  Or is there a possibility you could be pregnant? These are all things to consider. But...

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Should I experience soreness down there during my period?

Peer Answer: Does it feel like someone punched you in your vagina? Yes? Then, yep, that’s what happens to me too. Those are my least favorite days while on my period because not only am I sore, but out of either...

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Tips On How to Relieve Period Cramps

By Dr. Staci Tanouye OB/GYN, MD Have you ever experienced pain in your lower abdomen during your menstrual cycle and wondered why? The medical term for this pain is dysmenorrhea but is more commonly...

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I just got off my period and had sex with my boyfriend. Now, I am bleeding again. What does this mean?

Peer Answer: I can never trust the last day or two of my period. I hate it when I think my period’s over and I go without a tampon, only to find out later that my period wasn’t actually over – another pair of...

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All about Hormones During Your Period

Learn about the key hormone changes that make up your menstrual cycle and the physical and emotional changes that those hormones create.

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How Does A Menstrual Cycle work?

Check out Simone Giertz’s menstruation machine as she helps young women demystify the amazing process their body goes through.

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Getting to Know Your Period

OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye answers frequently asked questions about periods.

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My cramps are so bad that I'm pretty much bedridden, even when I take Pamprin. Is this normal?

Peer Answer: Sounds normal to me, especially because I’m also someone who gets cramps so bad that I can’t get out of bed. Some girls and women experience worse cramps than others – I have a couple of girlfriends...

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Why is it that when I'm on my period, I'm never hungry or don't feel like eating?

Peer Answer: You know what? This happens to me too! In my case, I think it’s because I’m still stuffed from devouring massive amounts of lunchmeat the week before (lunchmeat is my PMS crave-of-choice). But this...

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When I have my period, it's hard for me to go poop. It hurts and feels like a really bad PMS cramp. Is this normal?

Peer Answer: Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Let's take a closer look at what could be aggravating the problem. Aside from period interference, constipation can also be caused by lack of fiber in your diet. Being...

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Why do I get flu-like symptoms before my period?

Peer Answer: What exactly are flu-like symptoms? I should probably know this because whenever I’m suffering from something worse than a cold, I’m quick to say I have the flu. WebMD says flu symptoms include a high...

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How Strong is that Period Cramp Anyway?

Simone Giertz explains in a humorous but engaging way.

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Is there any reason why my boobs aren't tender and I'm supposed to start my period in 3 days?

Peer Answer: I think everyone’s symptoms are different when it comes to their periods. My breasts don’t get very tender but I have some serious bloat happening when I’m going to get my period. I used to just get...

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Is it normal to cry more before and during my period?

Peer Answer: Um, absolutely! I've definitely been known to cry before, during, and on occasion, even after my period (I'm a crier, what can I say?). I know the extra emotion has something to do with your hormones...

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Why does my period blood smell sweet this month? What does decidual blood or implantation blood smell like?

Peer Answer: When I’m dehydrated, my pee sometimes smells different than it normally does, but I unfortunately don’t have any experience with the smell you’re describing. I’ll defer to our health expert Molly for...

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Will taking a bath while on your period hurt you?

Peer Answer: Not at all! I usually find it feels better. I lovelovelove hot showers or baths as it is, but I feel that when I’m on my period and might have cramps, it is actually very soothing to me. I say get a...

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Menstrual Cycle 101 with an OB/GYN

OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye explains each phase of the menstrual cycle.

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Your First Appointment With The Gynecologist

Many women feel nervous or uncertain before their visit to the gynecologist. It means accepting that your body has changed and that you've taken the step from girlhood into womanhood. Before going to...

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My Period Isn't the Same as Hers

No two periods are the same. Learn how they can vary from woman to woman.

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Talking to an Adult About Your Period

Talking to your mom or dad about your period doesn’t have to be awkward.

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How To Get Out Period Stains

Period stains can be a nightmare, but your favorite pants or panties don’t have to look like a crime scene forever!

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Does masturbating while on your period help with cramps?

Peer Answer: This is a good question; one I wish I knew the answer to. Seems like masturbating would be a quick-fix solution for cramps. Maybe it could be your way of helping reduce the pain from cramps. For me, I...

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Embracing Your Period

Starting your period means going through a phase of physical and emotional adjustment. The more you know about periods and how to manage them, the easier it becomes to embrace them.

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Why do I keep getting yeast infections right before I get my period?

Peer Answer: Yeast infections may be a bit more common around the time of your period.  I’m pretty sure it has to do with the fluctuations of hormones that lead to the overgrowth of yeast. I think our health...

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Will I grow after my period?

Peer Answer: It’s hard to say whether or not you’ll grow after your period. It’s likely, but definitely not a sure thing. There are some girls who continue to grow and there are others who don’t. Believe me, it...

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Why is my sex drive up during my period?

Peer Answer: I’ll be honest: As many times as it’s been explained to me, I still don’t have the science behind period-related hormonal changes nailed down quite yet. But what I do know is that hormones change...

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When I'm on my period, sometimes my area will get itchy and it will have a noticeable smell. What should I do?

Peer Answer: First of all, don't fret. Some of us smell a little bit different when we're on our periods (including me!), but it's not necessarily a bad smell. In terms of what you should do, I say do whatever...

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What is it called when your period is longer than normal? What are the treatments?

Peer Answer: It’s called annoying! Just kidding. Periods are considered “longer than normal” when they consistently last for more than seven days, or if you have one that lasts nine or more. As for treatments, the...

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What exactly does a cramp feel like? I have had two periods, and my stomach sometimes hurts a little, but I also just have a delicate stomach. Am I having cramps, or is it just too many M&Ms?

Peer Answer: Cramps are similar to stomach aches – it’s sort of this soreness and uncomfortable feeling that has you hunching over and holding your stomach in hopes that it’ll feel better. But unlike stomachaches,...

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Is it normal to miss a period? (I'm not pregnant!!!)

Peer Answer: There are lots of reasons you can miss your period. Don't freak out, there are more reasons than just being pregnant for a missed period. Have you been going through a lot of stress lately? That can...

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Is it normal to have excessive bloating during your period?

Peer Answer: I think it depends on what you mean by excessive. There is definitely some bloating and weight gain going on when you’re getting your period. My clothes definitely don’t fit as well as they should and...

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How did you guys tell your mom about your period? How did she react?

Peer Answer: I fretted telling my mom about my period. Even though my mom told me to not be embarrassed by my period, I was timid in telling her I had started mine. I didn’t know what to think about having started...

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Can you have sex while you are on your period?

Peer Answer: Great question. Although it will be messy (and may cause a small crime scene on your sheets) you most definitely can have sex during your period. It can even help with cramps and improve the period...

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Can PMS make you pee a lot?

Peer Answer: I haven’t run into the issue of peeing more than normal when I have PMS. Unfortunately, I have experienced the symptoms of a bladder infection. I’m not sure whether or not your peeing a lot is related...

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Why does my vagina get itchy everywhere when I'm on my period?

Peer Answer: Us chicks sure like to multitask! So much so that even our bodies seem to have a lot going on all at once! There aren’t many girls who haven’t been itchy down there at one time or another and there...

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Can you masturbate while you're on your period?

Peer Answer: You’ve gotta love our hormones! They cause our periods and then can make us feel a little frisky (sometimes at the same time). I don’t see how masturbation could be harmful during your period. I’ve...

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Can getting a Pap smear a few days before your period affect your period when it comes on?

Peer Answer: I’ve had quite a few Pap smears, all at different points in my cycle. Though, I prefer to plan ahead and schedule my appointments after my period is done. I’m honestly not sure how or even if it might...

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Why do I have cramps, heavy discharge, and no period?

Peer Answer: It may be that you’re ramping up for your period. Cramps and heavy discharge come prior to your period -- think of them as the warning letting you know to “brace yourself” and maybe save the white...

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Why do I have acne inside my vagina (and I am not sexually active)?

Peer Answer: Your vagina is a sensitive area! Sexually active or not, sores, bumps or rashes on the inside of your vagina should be looked at by a healthcare professional. I’m sure it’s more than a little...

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Why does it hurt to poop when you are on your period?

Peer Answer: A lot of my friends experience constipation during their periods, and I’ve read that this is fairly common. So that’s most likely your issue. You may want to try increasing your fiber intake for some...

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Is there something wrong if I get my period every three months?

Peer Answer: A lot of girls have irregular periods. I’m not even sure if there’s such thing as a regular period. If there is, I think I’m missing out on it too. Just to cover all bases, a certain type of birth...

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Is it okay to wipe down there with baby wipes when you're on your period?

Peer Answer: Before I start my period each month, I stock up on wet wipes (same as baby wipes, just without the baby smell). When I’m on my period, all I really want to use are wet wipes – I know they’ll do the...

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Is it normal to have gas when you are on your period?

Peer Answer: I’m not sure what it is about our periods that causes gas, but I know that it does. Get ready for “TMI” -- I also suffer from an abnormal amount of gas when I’m on my period. It’s like, “Isn’t it bad...

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Is it normal to get a bladder infection during your period?

Peer Answer: I wouldn’t say it’s normal but it definitely can happen. Bacteria cause bladder infections so when you have your period, make sure you’re changing your tampon or pad regularly. UTIs are painful and...

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Is it normal for your ovaries to hurt before and during your period?

Peer Answer: I’m not really sure if that is normal to be honest because I’ve never had it happen to me personally. But I think you should check out health expert Sandy’s answer to this one. If it continues to...

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Is it normal for the vagina to be dry when you're on your period? I couldn't put a tampon in because it was so dry.

Peer Answer: This is normal, and at the same time, ridiculously inconvenient and uncomfortable.  It really peeves me when I try to put a tampon in, but can’t. Doesn’t it seem ridiculous to be on your period and...

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Is it common to run a fever while menstruating?

Peer Answer: I’ve never experienced this myself. However, I do know that a fever may be a sign of infection, so it’s probably not a bad idea to give your health provider a call or schedule an appointment. Our...

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Is it bad if you play sports when you're on your period? What's better, a pad or a tampon?

Peer Answer: It's totally not bad! Actually, it can be really good, for both you and your cramps. See this Qandamp;A for more info on exercising during your period. In terms of the old pad or tampon debate, the...

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Is drinking coffee a bad idea when you are on your period?

Peer Answer: As far as I know, drinking coffee does't have any negative affects on your period. Some period-related medications even have caffeine added to them to help fight fatigue and to help reduce bloating....

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I have blood in my discharge. It's not big but little specks. Is this normal?

Peer Answer: If you’re new to having your period, this spotting may just be a minor inconvenience while your body determines its regular cycle. As a menstruation newbie, your hormones are constantly in flux, so...

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How much weight gain is normal on your period?

Peer Answer: The number on the scale might go up – and it definitely goes up for me – but from my understanding, it's not actual weight gain. It's mostly just bloating from excess water weight.  Yes, those extra...

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How can you tell the difference between a broken hymen and a first menstrual cycle?

Peer Answer: The hymen is a very thin tissue that stretches across the opening of the vagina and if broken, the bleeding will often be minimal and usually bright red in color. In comparison, the blood from your...

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Can you induce your period by using a heating pad or taking vitamin C? I'm 3 days late and it's driving me crazy!

Peer Answer: As far as I know, there's no guaranteed way to induce your period. But you'll have to read what health expert Dr. Molly has to say to find out for sure. I've definitely been two or three days late...

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After my period I tend to get bacterial vaginosis because the blood messes up my pH. What can I do??

Peer Answer: While bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not uncommon, I’ve never had an experience with it. But I wanted to give you some sort of direction to finding an answer so I did a little research for you. First,...

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Is it normal to get dizzy before or during your period?

Peer Answer: The Real Answers team answered a question previously that I think addresses yours really well. Basically, our health experts said that any type of cramps can cause lightheadedness. So can anemia,...

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Why does my body itch all over during that time of the month?

Peer Answer: All women have big changes in their hormone levels when they have their period. Sometimes these abrupt changes trigger a release of histamine, which can cause itching. It is not fun! Some women soon...

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When I have my period, it feels weird to go pee. Is this normal?

Peer Answer: I guess it depends on what you mean by “weird”! Your hormones are doing so many different things during your period, and this is reflected in your body. All of those things -- from cramps to bleeding...

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Is there a way to purposely break your hymen with a tampon?

Peer Answer: You could probably do it, but there's really no need! Your hymen will break or stretch when it needs to. It might happen naturally the first time you use a tampon or insert anything else into your...

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Is there any surgery to stop your period forever? What would happen if I did that?

Peer Answer: There are surgeries that would stop your period, but it’s not something to go into lightly. There are also birth control options that can stop your period for a time. I suggest speaking with your...

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I'm getting green veins on my breast during my period. What does this mean?

Peer Answer: I have to admit that I was excited to see this question. I was one of those odd children that instead of asking, “Why is the sky blue?” I asked things like, “Why are my veins blue?” Let me start by...

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I have no armpit hair, literally. And I have my period. Is that normal?

Peer Answer: Although when it comes to menstruation, nothing is “normal” this is really common. There’s no set of “period rules” that say first armpit hair then period, or vice versa. And in some cases women grow...

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If you're still a virgin and you go to the gynecologist, can the doctor's speculum break your hymen? If so, will it hurt?

Peer Answer: You’d be surprised how little or even how much impact it could take to break your hymen. The thickness or thinness of the tissue varies from girl to girl. If it’s thin enough, it’s possible to have it...

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I donated blood before my periods and now my period is late. I'm not pregnant, and I have PMS as usual but no period. Can you explain why for some woman, periods don't come or get delayed after donating blood?

Peer Answer: I have never experienced this before! It seemed unlikely to me that losing a little bit of the blood pumping around in your body could affect your uterine lining, which is a little different. But...

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I cramp for a whole week before I get my period, is that normal?

Peer Answer: It doesn’t sound too unusual, but see what Sandy, our health expert, has to say. I definitely suggest taking care of yourself by doing things that relax you! Heating pads or hot baths also work...

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Does having sex delay my period?

Peer Answer: Sex can definitely affect your period because of all the hormones involved. I would check out what Dr. Molly has to say for this one.

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Does anesthesia affect your period?

Peer Answer: Luckily, I’ve never had the need for anesthesia, but I do know that stress on the body (exercise, diet, surgery, etc.) can cause irregularities in your period. This is a very interesting question and...

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Can having a UTI delay your period?

Peer Answer: I totally feel for you -- Bladder infections are no fun! I've never had a bladder infection delay my period, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be the cause. It may be a good time to grab a big ol'...

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Can a yeast infection cause a missed period?

Peer Answer: Aside from yeast infections just making me feel “ick,” I can’t say that they have ever affected my cycle. But I know everyone is different, so I can’t say it would be the same for me as it might be...

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Female Puberty - The Signs, Stages and Changes

Okay so there are a few things that we all want to know when it comes to our bodies and how they change, but let’s face it, the conversations can get a little awkward. Which is where the...

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How early is too early to have PMS symptoms before your period? How early is normal?

Peer Answer: As we like to say on this panel, when it comes to periods, nothing is ever “normal.” And that, of course, includes our good pal PMS. My PMS starts about five days prior to my period’s start and the...

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Knock, Knock, Who’s There? Your Period, to Tell You About Your Health and Wellness!

Your period is an indicator of overall health and wellness. Get to know why it's important to track it and understand your symptoms.

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Vaginal Health: What's Normal? What Isn't?

Learn more about why vaginal and reproductive health is just as important as any other aspect of your physical wellness.

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I feel like I cry more easily on my period. I feel like just renting sad movies and bawling my eyes out. Is this bad?

Peer Answer: Sounds like PMS to me. I get a little overemotional around my period too. I just go with it because every now and then I just need a good cry. Sometimes my body knows just what I need even if it does...

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Puberty 101

Puberty is something everyone goes through. The Puberty 101 guide provides useful information to help you understand the changes your body is going through as you become an adult.

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