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Tailored Content / Blog Entry
You’re a woman! Well, at least according to science. You typically get your first period between the ages of 12 and 13, which marks the beginning of your reproductive years (i.e., when you can get pregnant). This is a good time to start seeing a gynecologist if you need to talk about irregular periods, contraception or any other questions about womanhood.
It is also an ideal time to develop healthy habits like eating well, exercising regularly, and seeing your doctor annually for preventive care. During the next few years, you’ll grow a lot physically, mentally and emotionally, and your reproductive and sexual health and well-being are 100% part of that. This new you may have some scary unknowns, but with support and knowledge, you can navigate these changes.
If you’re just starting to navigate your period and feeling confused, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Menstrual cycles can be unpredictable, especially in your teens, and yet most of us aren’t taught what “irregular” really means. This guide is here to help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to take care of your menstrual health without shame.
First things first: What is your menstrual cycle, what is a period, and what does a “regular” one look like? Let’s quickly break it down:
The entire process is regulated by reproductive hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone.
Everyone’s cycle is a little different, but there are some general guidelines clinicans use:
When you first start menstruating, your period may be a little irregular as your hormones find their groove. You may have longer periods that don't always start when you expect them to. But as time passes, your cycles tend to regulate and last between two and seven days.
“Irregular” isn’t just having a different cycle than your friends. It usually means one of the following:
If you have any of the above, you should speak with your doctor so they can make sure everything is ok.
Irregular can look at a few different ways, so several medical terms cover it:
If your period doesn’t come at the same time every month, don’t worry - it’s very common in the first few years of your menstrual cycle for a few reasons.
In the first few years after you start menstruating, it’s common to have anovulation (no egg released that month). Without ovulation, cycles can be longer, shorter, or unpredictable. This usually settles down by your late teens.
Consider your body as an interconnected system in which each process works in harmony with the others. When one process is disrupted, it can affect the balance and function of the whole system. Things that can disrupt your hormones and menstrual cycle include:
Sometimes irregular cycles are linked to medical conditions. Common ones include:
Medications and Birth Control
Hormonal contraception (the pill, patch, ring, or hormonal IUD) can also change your bleeding pattern. Sometimes it makes cycles more regular; other times it causes lighter or absent periods.
Tracking your periods can help you get a sense of patterns and understand what’s normal for you. There are apps for your phone, or you can write it down in a notebook. Keep a record of the date of your first period, how many days it lasted, how heavy or light your bleeding is, and any symptoms like cramps, headaches, or mood swings.
Keeping these records helps establish what is normal for your cycle. You can also share this info with your healthcare provider in case something comes up in the future.
Some of your friends and peers may start expressing an interest in sex, and it’s critical that you understand that sexual health is also important. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause uncomfortable or painful symptoms, and some cannot be cured and may have long-term effects.
Being sexually active doesn’t only refer to penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex; it also includes oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation, or self-stimulation, including with sex toys and interactions with same sex partners.
When you are sexually active, you are in contact with another person's bodily fluids, and that puts you at risk for both pregnancy and STIs. You may also hear STIs referred to as STDs, which are sexually transmitted diseases.
STIs are spread through sexual contact, either with bodily fluids (i.e., semen, discharge and saliva) or skin-to-skin contact. Some STIs are bacterial infections, and others are viruses.
Some common STIs and their signs and symptoms are:
You may have noticed that some of these STIs have symptoms can be confused with other conditions. That’s why it’s essential to get regularly tested if you are sexually active.
HPV infections are spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex and can cause genital warts and cervical cancer later in life. Preferably, you’ll want to get the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens, ideally between the ages of 11 and 12, and is approved by the FDA for people ages 9 to 26. “We want to make sure women are properly immunized against HPV as soon as they are eligible,” says Dr. Lauren M. Beasley from Centre OB/GYN.
It’s normal to have worries about sex and safety, especially as a teen, if you want to maintain privacy. First things first, your OB/GYN is there for you and your wellness; they will not judge you and only want to help. Ask your provider what information they have to share with your parent or guardian and share with them if you are uncomfortable talking about certain details.
Testing is the only way to confirm whether you have an STI, and if you are sexually active, both you and your partner(s) should regularly get tested. Most testing is very quick and confidential. It often takes just one swab or blood draw for multiple tests at once. Different STDs require different tests, so it is best to ask your doctor which tests you need.
Once you get a diagnosis, most STDs are treatable. The most common treatment is antibiotics, which typically takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days.
Of course, the best “treatment” is prevention and staying healthy. You do that by:
If you have had unprotected sex or suspect you have an STI for any other reason, make an appointment with your provider as soon as possible.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends having your first gynecology visit between the ages of 13 and 15 and yearly after that. This usually coincides with your first period, but if it hasn’t happened by the age of 15, your doctor can help rule out any underlying causes.
It's normal to be nervous the first time you see a gynecologist. It should ease your mind that pelvic and breast exams are not typically needed before 18 unless you and your provider find it necessary. This first appointment is primarily to help you understand your changing body, talk to you about your periods, and answer questions about sex, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections.
Your visit with your provider is confidential. If you would like your parent or guardian to be with you, let your doctor know.
These are big years; there is so much growing, learning, and changing going on. It's all very exciting, but can be confusing too, so no matter the question, never be afraid to ask. Your gynecologist is there to support you, answer questions and guide you to make healthy decisions. If you’re a teen, speak with your parent or guardian about finding a healthcare provider that specializes in women’s health. You can use the search form at the bottom to find a clinician in your area.
Consult with one of our experts