LIFE

Dear Carol,

I have had my period for a year and a half—and irregular periods for the past eight months. I used to be very regular, but now my cycle is inconsistent. For seven months I had it at the same time every month, but now I either miss periods or have super long ones or my flow stops and starts again in the same month. I talked to my doctor and my mom, but I’m concerned.

- Period Worries

Dear Period Worries, 

I bet your doctor and your mom have told you that a girl’s period may not be regular for the first year or two. It’s normal for a girl’s cycle to be less predictable if she’s gained or lost weight or has been stressed out or changed exercise patterns. I’m not a doctor, so it would be irresponsible of me to chime in with “No worries!” But my hunch is that your body will sort itself out soon. Keep monitoring the changes (and ask your mom to make you another appointment if you truly suspect something is up), but try not to worry, especially if you’re taking good care of your body by eating well, drinking lots of water, moving around and staying fit.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Ava and Pip and Speed of Life, a novel about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Carol's audiobooks are on Spotify. More at carolweston.com and on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

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by GL | 11/19/2024