question......no periods.....

hi

i am 19 yrs old. For last 2 months i had a spotting for 5 or 6 dayz and then i have heavy flow for very very little time and then it stops... i am not pregnant as i have my blood tests........and its negative.......this is third month......this month i have my periods but they are not heavy as they used to be..........i am very concerned........is there is any serious problem?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

At age 19 it is unlikely to be a serious problem. But go to your doctor for an exam and some blood work. There are a number of hormonal imbalances that can cause the type of spotting you are describing. Treatment often includes the birth control pill for a short while or other hormones until things become more regular. Sometimes stress or increased exercise or extreme changes in weight can also cause these symptoms as can inflammation of the cervix. Talking with your doctor and an exam should shed a lot of light on the situation.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD