menstrual cycle

Period Problems: Irregular Periods, Heavy Periods & Menstrual Problems

Period problems can affect any woman. Even if you have a history of never, ever missing a period, it’s possible for you to occasionally have a period problem. You may be extra stressed that month, or maybe you’ve been traveling and suffering from jetlag. There are a lot of factors that can sometimes affect your menstrual cycle and lead to period problems.

For most women, their menstrual period arrives at the same time every month without fail. The textbook menstrual cycle is 28 days long, which means that there are 28 days between the first day of your period and the first day of the next. Not every woman follows the 28-day rule though. A normal menstrual cycle ran range from 21 days (your period is 3 weeks apart) to 35 days (your period is 5 weeks apart). What’s “normal” for you may be different for another woman.

Teen Menstrual Cycles: Why Missed Periods, Irregular Periods are Normal

by DP Nguyen 839 Comments

Missed Periods and Irregular Periods are Normal When You’re a Teenager!

Recently, there has been a flood of questions from my teen readers on my popular post, “Reasons for Missed Period – When You’re Not Pregnant.” I want to address the most commonly asked questions to alleviate any worries that teenagers may have about their periods.

Age of Your First Period

A teenager typically gets her first period between 12 and 14 years of age. Some girls can start menstruating as early as 9 years old. Others won’t have their first period until they’re 16 years of age. When you’ll have your first period depends on how fast you’re developing. Some girls are early bloomers; others bloom later. If you haven’t had your period by 16 years old, visit your doctor and find out what’s the hold up. In some cases, however, it may still be normal.
[Read more…] about Teen Menstrual Cycles: Why Missed Periods, Irregular Periods are Normal

Menstrual Cycle May Affect Mammogram Sensitivity and Accuracy

by DP Nguyen 15 Comments

No woman wants to hear that she has breast cancer, but every year in the United States, over 260,000 women will discover that they have breast cancer. In fact, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), and it is the second leading cause of death among women. (Lung cancer is the first.)

Because of the high breast cancer statistics, doctors and healthcare professionals recommend that women undergo regular mammogram screening to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. According to a new research study, published in last month’s issue of Radiology, women should consider scheduling their mammograms for the first week of their menstrual cycle – i.e. the week that you’re bleeding.