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There’s really no such thing as a “normal” period, only because every woman’s period, or menstrual cycle, is unique.  But girls and women of all ages have questions, because your cycle will also change over the course of your lifetime. Here are some frequently asked questions from the perspective of different age groups.

Teenagers

Almost all teenage girls wonder “When will I get my period?” If they haven’t already, that is! Usually, girls get their periods at around age 11 or 12, but it can happen at any age from 8 to 16. It may happen around the same time that your mom first got hers. If you haven’t gotten your period within three years of when your breasts started to grow, talk to your parent or guardian, your doctor or another adult you trust.

Four other common questions that teenagers ask?

1. What exactly is “a period”?  Once you’ve hit puberty, your uterus will build up a lining of blood and tissue to prepare for the possibility of being pregnant. That lining would be needed if your egg was fertilized by a sperm cell, as a place for the egg to attach and begin growing into a baby. When the egg doesn’t get fertilized, that blood and tissue comes out.
2. What will it look like?  Your period flow can be light, heavy, or somewhere in between. It can be light red or dark red and may change from day to day.
3. How long will it be?  Periods usually last between three and five days, but it’s normal to have periods that are either shorter or longer. It is also normal if your periods are not the same number of days each month, especially in the first years.
4. When does it happen? In general, a menstrual cycle takes place over about one month, around 23 to 35 days. But every female’s cycle is different. Try to keep track of when you get it, so you can see if a pattern forms.

Women In Their Thirties and Forties
As you move past your peak fertility years, even if you’ve always had regular periods, you may experience longer, irregular cycles up to 45 days. You may see signs of approaching menopause, like hot flashes and mood changes.

If you’re not approaching menopause, other causes of irregular periods may include stress dramatic weight loss, or sudden weight gain. All of these conditions can affect your body’s hormone levels and may cause changes in the length of your cycle. Medications such as antidepressants can also cause cycle changes. Talk to your doctor if you see any consistent changes in your cycle.

Any more questions? Need a doctor or other professional you can talk to? Call or contact Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello M.D. anytime. You’ll love our caring and knowledgeable doctors and staff.