Center for Young Women's Health
For the past week and a half, maybe longer, I’ve been having breast pain. It’s a pain that only hurts when pressure is applied. Whether that be from sleeping on my side, pushing on it, or wearing a bra. It’s only in one spot, on the side and bottom?It is common for women to have “mastalgia” (sore or tender breasts) the week before their period. The symptoms may be caused by a rise in the hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Breast discomfort can continue during … read more
Ask Us questions
Each week we choose one new Ask Us question and post the answer. Feel free to search or browse our past questions and answers to see if yours is already there.
To ask a new question, use our form. Ask your own question!
I got my first Depo-Provera® injection 6 days ago, and I had sex today. Will the Depo shot still work right away so I won’t get pregnant?
Thanks for your question. Whether or not the Depo-Provera® injection will protect you from pregnancy depends on when you received it. For example: If you received the Depo-Provera® injection during … read more
Is there a hormone test you can have done to determine the best birth control for you? Or do you just have to try a birth control and see how your body reacts?
Thanks for your question! It would be great if there was a test that could predict what type of birth control pill is right for you. Since there isn’t a … read more
My parents are divorced and I hadn’t talked to my dad for several years. He just died. I don’t really know how to feel, and I don’t feel anything in particular. Is this normal?
Thank you for your question. It is perfectly normal to feel the way you do, particularly if you did not have close relationship with your dad. However, you may experience … read more
Do you have any advice for managing PCOS via diet in college? There are very few healthy/whole grain options at my dining halls, so I always end up reverting to more unhealthy eating habits while I’m here, which I know isn’t good for PCOS.
Thanks for your question! This is really tough – you are trying to make healthy decisions but are not in control of the food available to you. Does your school … read more
I am 13 and had my first period when I was 11. It continued for a month and returned 6 months later then stopped after a month. I am a virgin and I have not gotten it ever since. What’s happening?
It is common to have irregular periods for the first two years after getting your period; however, it is not normal bleed for a month. Most girls have their period for 1-6 or … read more
I ate a lot of raw cookie dough, and I just found out that it can make you sick. Will I get sick? Please help!!!
Thanks for your question. Our dietitians have weighed in. The reason that raw cookie dough can make a person sick is because most dough contains eggs and eating raw eggs … read more
I’m 15 and my parents fight ALL the time and it really upsets me. I’ve seen them growing apart over the years and it seems like they want to get a divorce but they’re staying together for me and my sister. How do I tell them that it’s okay to split up?
Thank you for your question! It can definitely be upsetting if your parents are fighting all the time. There can be different reasons why some parents continue to live together … read more
I am going on vacation in a month but I’m supposed to get my period at the same time. Is there any way to make my period come faster or delay it so I can enjoy my vacation?
Delaying your period is sometimes possible if you are taking a birth control pill that has the same amount of hormone in all of the pills during the first 3 … read more
I’ve recently missed a week’s worth of my birth control pills and have not had irregular bleeding like I usually do. I’m so bad at remembering to take my pills. Is this normal? Am I at risk for being pregnant?
Thanks for your question. It sounds like birth control pills may not be a good contraceptive choice for you at this time, unless you can find ways to remind yourself … read more