scared! please help?

Question

i'm 21 years old. i started my period when i was a freshman in high school. im pretty small for my age too. only about 98 lbs. my question is, is it ok to have irregular periods? mine is a little irregular at times. but other times it comes like clockwork. i know its lame asking this online but i dont have anyone to go to. my mom passed away :( its just ive been thinking about it alot lately since my period was supposed to come and hasnt yet. and iknow for a fact im not pregnant. im worried about things like never being able to have kids and all that. its really starting to scare me. there could possibly be something wrong with me. im too scared to go to the doctors. the unknown can be pretty scary at times. but theres also a possiblilty that im perfectly fine.

Answer 1

You have never been to a gynecologist,you should be going once a year for a pelvic exam and papst smear, they will explain any concerns or questions you have.
My gynecologist is female, very gentle and caring...she is great!

Answer 2

I'm no doctor, but maybe this will comfort you until you get an answer from one. I have been working as a patient advocate for a large hospital in the OB/GYN department for 7 years, and have talked with many patients and doctors about almost any problem you can imagine.

Some girls' periods arrive like clockwork. Others get theirs at slightly different times each month. Many girls get regular periods most of the time, but occasionally skip a period or get an extra period during times because of stress, certain medications, excessive exercise, or very low body weight (like yourself) ,

Illness, rapid weight change, stress, or not eating enough calories can make things more unpredictable because the part of the brain that regulates periods is influenced by events like these. These are all natural.

Others may develop problems as a result of a hormone imbalance. For example, disorders of the thyroid gland can cause menstrual irregularities if the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood become too low or too high.

Some women have irregular periods because their bodies produce too much androgen, which is a hormone that causes increased muscle mass, facial hair, and deepening of the voice in males and the development of pubic hair and increased height in girls. High amounts of androgen can also cause hair growth on the face, chin, chest, and abdomen, and is sometimes associated with excessive weight gain, so I would imagine this is not you.

Please don’t be afraid to see a doctor :), trust me, they’ve seen some of everything and will be able to give you some guidence. The doctor may prescribe hormone pills or other medications or recommend lifestyle changes that can help you to have regular periods.

I'm sure your fine though. So don't worry too much :)

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your mom Lindsey. Dont be embarrassed about not knowing these things, I am 27 and have had 3 kids and have never had a timable period. I am usually off anywhere from 2 days to 5 and sometimes it only lasts 3 days others heavy flow for a couple days then light flow for a few. You are still young and your body is still trying to figure out a rythm, develope its cycle. Some women can set their schedual by their periods and others like me usually can pinpoint it within a few day range, but if you are experiencing pain, abnormal discharge like big clots or if it has an odd color or smell then you need to be seen by some one. If its only an irregular thing then you have nothing to worry about, and until you try to have children and are ready to concieve a baby that is when most people find out about fertility issues so I wouldnt worry too much yet.

Answer 4

Some people have irregular periods especially those who are small and underweight. But perhaps u may have something going on with you that is NOT normal. YOU MUST see a doctor!!!! I admit that it's not the most pleasant thing in the world or the most comfortable, but only with a doctor will u be able to find out for sure the answer to your question. Make an appt. with a GYN, and when u go, make sure you explain that u have a fear of doctors....then I'm sure he/she will treat u with special care.

Answer 5

It is perfectly normal to have irregular periods, especially when you are stressed, are very athletic, and actually, body size CAN POSSIBLY have an effect on your hormones...women who are very tiny, like yourself, or women who are larger can have irregular periods.

There are treatments that gynecologists can do to help regulate your periods. We gals should have a yearly physical with pelvic exam.

I do not think there is anything to worry about, but if you haven't had a pelvic exam, you should just to ease your mind, and get some treatment ideas to help you get regulated so that when the day comes when you do wish to start your family, you will have a treatment plan with your doctor to make that a little easier.

Answer 6

Relax. The reason why this is happening is because you're underweight. This is not uncommon for women that are hard training athletes either. It will not stop you from having children either. When you increase your weight, your periods will go back to be being more regular. Also, you mentioned not having a female to discuss this with, if you have a Planned Parenthood in your area they have female advisers for women's health related questions. There is no charge for this. Or if you'd like, you can email me. I'm in my mid- 30's and am a Doctor. (I just don't like to advertise this on the yahoo boards, but what the heck)
I'd be happy to help/listen.

Answer 7

ok. first, sit down and relax. breathe...honey, don't be paranoid about it. it is NORMAL! you already sure that you were not pregnant, so that means that you're not having any sexual intercourse with the others. some women have irregularity when it comes to their menstrual cycle. body's hormones tend to change when women change their activities or anything for that matter. sometimes it's because of the depression women has encountering. are you stressed or what? the best thing you can do is to consult a gynecologist. they are the only people who can help you in this case. but believe me, your situation is soo normal you don't have to worry about that. don't be scared cuz i've been there and done that.

Answer 8

Ok. Breathe... in... and out. Now, how tall are you? If you are 5ft or less, 98 lbs would not be underweight. But, if you are underweight, dieting, a runner, sleep deprived... there are many explanations, including stress and anxiety, that can interrupt your otherwise normal cycling. Obsessing can only exacerbate the problem. Attend to it constructively. Ignorance is not bliss, nor does it usually bring real peace. Eat, sleep, and get a check-up with the doctor.

Answer 9

As a person who doesn't like going to the doctor, I can understand where you're coming from. However, it's extremely important that you have an OBGYN and you get checkups each year. Ask your friends about their doctors and make an appointment with one who sounds like a good fit for you. Your doctor is used to dealing with these types of things, so it's nothing to be embarassed about. My guess is that you are fine, but PLEASE go get a checkup. Your health is too valuable to damage because you're afraid to go to the doctor. Getting a check-up and a clean bill of health will ease your worries!

Answer 10

I would say you are perfectly fine! If you have had any stress in your life or even stressed out about not having your period this could be the cause. Just relax and go on with your life and it will happen. I'm sure!

Answer 11

Some women have naturally irregular periods. You really should go to a gynecologist (there's nothing to be scared of) to make sure that everything is ok.