Irregular Period

[Krysten27]

I am sixteen years old and my period first came when i was 11. My periods have always varied. There are times when i go 3-4 months without at period and then whenever it does come it is heavy and contains blood clots. But there are also times when i have skipped 3 months and have had an extremely light cycle. I rarely get periods once a month (I actually don't think i ever have had that happen before). The longest i have went without a period was when i was around 13 and it was 5 months almost 6. Sometimes my periods kill me with pain and sometimes i feel nothing. It was common knowledge that women get their period every month, so when i didn't i had gotten a bit worried. I went to my doctor and she said it could be stress, and in the fist few years she gave me birth control to help regulate the cycles, but no such luck. I really don't understand whats going on and every time i bring it up to my doctor, i just get birth control thrown at me or i am told to "relax" and try to relieve some of my stress. I have had thyroid issues in the past and she said that could be the cause but i have had those issues resolved and my menstrual madness continues..... im not sure if this is something to really worry about but 5 years of irregular periods is starting to bother me. i am constantly being told that it takes a few years to regulate your cycle, but its been 5 years. 5. so i am a bit worried. should i be?

[Chima7]

When you say "doctor", are you talking about a general family doctor or an obgyn? Because a general doctor only has limited knowledge of female problems so if you haven't already seen an obgyn to get checked out you should consider it. You'd get more specific care from an obgyn for period problems than you would from your family practitioner whose knowledge is limited to stuff like treating colds and the flu.

[specialmom]

It is actually common for girls of your age to have irregular cycles like this.  good luck