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...
Learn MorePeer 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,...
Learn MorePeer 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...
Learn MorePeer 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...
Learn MoreTalking to your mom or dad about your period doesn’t have to be awkward.
Learn MoreLearn about the key hormone changes that make up your menstrual cycle and the physical and emotional changes that those hormones create.
Learn MorePeer 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...
Learn More 130202313517 10No two periods are the same. Learn how they can vary from woman to woman.
Learn More 130202395441 37Your 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.
Learn More 130202314849 1Getting 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!
Learn More 1292023101047 32Starting 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.
Learn More 129202342607 126Peer 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...
Learn More 126202360839 156Peer 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,...
Learn More 125202333806 956Period stains can be a nightmare, but your favorite pants or panties don’t have to look like a crime scene forever!
Learn More 125202385851 27Peer 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...
Learn More 124202374240 1050OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye shares her tips on when to know your period is coming and how to stay prepared.
Learn More 123202383826 8Many 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...
Learn More 1222023123701 158Peer 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...
Learn More 121202310800 12Get to know your amazing body and the science behind how periods work.
Learn More 121202395641 57Peer 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...
Learn More 121202385843 137Peer 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...
Learn More 120202394830 6Peer 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....
Learn More 118202351022 8Peer 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...
Learn More 1182023104447 10Peer 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...
Learn More 1142023122233 150Peer 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...
Learn More 111202375238 13Peer 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...
Learn More 110202391858 20Peer 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...
Learn More 1102023104728 25Talking to your mom or dad about your period doesn’t have to be awkward.
Learn More 19202350011 285Peer 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...
Learn More 1229202270220 8Peer 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...
Learn More 1220202255753 11Peer 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...
Learn More 1218202274726 15By Dr. Staci Tanouye OB/GYN, MD Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening but preventable infection that can occur in both females and males of any age. Most people experiencing...
Learn More 1216202260111 1Peer 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...
Learn More 1123202272916 4Peer 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...
Learn More 1031202211153 6By Dr. Staci Tanouye OB/GYN, MD Have you ever given much thought to the pH of your vagina? You might be familiar with the pH of water and even use the pH scale to determine what bottled water...
Learn More 1027202240220 0Your period is an indicator of overall health and wellness. Get to know why it's important to track it and understand your symptoms.
Learn More 926202270245 0By 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...
Learn More 972022102711 0Peer 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...
Learn More 623202214405 18Peer 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...
Learn More 615202282048 3Peer 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...
Learn More 615202281002 4Peer 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...
Learn More 615202280445 112Peer 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...
Learn More 615202274731 1Peer 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...
Learn More 615202273533 290Peer 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,...
Learn More 615202271439 28Peer 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...
Learn More 615202270222 2Peer 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...
Learn More 615202264123 15Peer 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...
Learn More 615202263654 104Peer 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...
Learn More 61202280838 10Peer 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...
Learn More 531202221558 17Peer 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...
Learn More 531202214442 13Peer 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...
Learn More 531202212615 1Peer 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...
Learn More 523202231406 122Peer 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...
Learn More 523202231121 125Peer 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...
Learn More 523202230649 19Peer 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...
Learn More 523202224534 6Peer 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...
Learn More 523202224259 19Peer 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...
Learn More 523202223949 7Peer 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...
Learn More 518202285711 2Peer 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...
Learn More 518202285448 2Peer 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...
Learn More 518202285034 7Peer 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...
Learn More 518202284142 1Peer 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...
Learn More 518202253627 6Peer 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...
Learn More 518202253323 6Peer 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...
Learn More 518202252233 4Peer 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...
Learn More 518202250859 4Peer 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,...
Learn More 518202245903 5Peer 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,...
Learn More 5122022111255 10Peer 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...
Learn More 512202290644 5Peer 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...
Learn More 510202261754 12Peer 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...
Learn More 510202261417 13Peer 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...
Learn More 510202261026 832Peer 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...
Learn More 510202255506 117Peer 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...
Learn More 510202255029 7Peer 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...
Learn More 510202251419 10Peer 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...
Learn More 510202251059 11Peer 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...
Learn More 510202250803 10Peer 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.
Learn More 510202250409 3Peer 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...
Learn More 510202250022 1Peer 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'...
Learn More 510202244554 5Peer 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...
Learn More 510202244300 6Okay 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...
Learn More 32202281035 0OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye answers frequently asked questions about periods.
Learn More 8252021111334 0OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye explains each phase of the menstrual cycle.
Learn More 8252021111157 0Learn about the key hormone changes that make up your menstrual cycle and the physical and emotional changes that those hormones create.
Learn More 8242021103501 158Check out Simone Giertz’s menstruation machine as she helps young women demystify the amazing process their body goes through.
Learn More 8182021105806 0Simone Giertz explains in a humorous but engaging way.
Learn More 8182021105431 0Peer 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...
Learn More 69202131651 53Learn more about why vaginal and reproductive health is just as important as any other aspect of your physical wellness.
Learn More 69202131643 2Peer 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...
Learn More 69202131638 3Peer 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...
Learn More 69202131637 5Puberty 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.
Learn More 329202122630 0This is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
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