Center for Young Women's Health
Menstrual CupsAre there other period products available besides tampons and pads? Yes. If you are looking for a reusable period product, you may want to consider period cups. Unlike tampons and … read more
Articles Tagged: period
I’ve been on the combined pill for years to control my period. If I am thinking about having sex, but I don’t want to get pregnant, how accurate would I have to be when taking the pill and for how long before having sex?
Great question, thank you! The combined pill contains two active hormones: estrogen and progestin (a hormone that is similar to progesterone). Just like with any birth control pill, whether you … read more
I started my period last August (at 14 years old), but I haven’t had a period for the last 6 months. I am not sexually active, but I have some of the symptoms in your guide on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Should I be concerned?
Thank you for your question. In young women, it’s totally normal to have fewer periods per year, especially for the first 2-3 years after starting your period. In the first … read more
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Progestin-Only Hormone Therapy
If you are unable to take estrogen or if you do not respond to combination (estrogen and progestin) pills, your clinician may prescribe either norethindrone (Camilla®), norethindrone acetate (Aygestin®) or … read more
I am 17 years old and I have never had my period. Is this normal or should I worry about it?
Girls typically begin puberty between ages 8 and 13. Puberty is the time when your body goes through hormone changes, your breasts develop, you notice pubic hair, and you have … read more
I don’t think I have “officially” had my period yet, but I recently had 3-4 days of brownish black discharge. I didn’t see any blood in the discharge, but could this have been my period?
It is possible that your period may be coming sooner than you think! It is completely normal for girls to experience brown discharge just before, during, or after their period. … read more
I am 17 years old and my period is strong. I end up spending the first day at home and missing school/work because my cramps are so painful. I also have nausea and become light headed. Is this normal?
Great question! Getting your period can cause mild cramps on the first day or two, but it shouldn’t cause you to stay home from school, work, or social events. Dysmenorrhea … read more
How much clotting is normal during your period? I know that it is normal to have some clotting but I always have a ton.
Thanks for your question! You’re right. Some clotting is normal during a woman’s period; however, sometimes there may be a medical reason that a woman has large clots. During a … read more
I have had my period since I was 10. It’s been 3 years and my periods are still irregular. Sometimes I get them every month and then it doesn’t come for another 3. I am not stressed or work out too much. Should I visit my doctor about this?
Thank you for your question! During the first 1-2 years after a young woman starts her period, her cycles may be irregular; however, after that the menstrual cycle will typically … read more
All my friends say that they have really bad cramps. I just got my first period, and I’m not feeling any cramps at all. Is that normal?
Thanks for your question! It is completely normal for some girls to have mild to moderate menstrual cramps and for others not to have any cramps at all. The medical … read more