Can you record a brief video of yourself talking about how Scarleteen has helped you? We're looking for clips for a fundraising video in the new year, and we'd love to have you involved! You can find out more, including how and where to upload your video, here: Scarleteen’s Project For Awesome 2025 submission! Our deadline for these is December 23rd 2024!

Cycle Length

Any questions or discussions that you ONLY want to discuss with our staff or volunteers.
(Users: please do not reply to other users here.)
Fender909
not a newbie
Posts: 127
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:17 pm
Age: 25
Awesomeness Quotient: My passion for music.
Primary language: English
Pronouns: None preferred
Sexual identity: Pansexual
Location: CA, USA

Cycle Length

Unread post by Fender909 »

Hey,

I know periods are commonly irregular in teenagers, but what is considered unhealthy? My last two cycles were 34 days and then 48 days.

I read on your site that a lot of cycles can be between 24-32 days long. My periods have never been regular, in fact, I've only gotten periods every other month up until last summer. Since then, the have generally been around once a month.

So is there anything to be concerned about?
Heather
scarleteen founder & director
Posts: 9731
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:43 am
Age: 54
Awesomeness Quotient: I have been a sex educator for over 25 years!
Primary language: english
Pronouns: they/them
Sexual identity: queery-queer-queer
Location: Chicago

Re: Cycle Length

Unread post by Heather »

It often takes around five years or so for periods to become regular. If yours are still bery erractic after that time, that is something to check in with a doctor about, so they can make sure you don't need help or care with things that are commonly at the root of that, like disordered eating, overexercise, hormonal imbalances or other reproductive health issues.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
Johanna
previous staff/volunteer
Posts: 574
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 9:40 am
Primary language: English
Pronouns: she/her
Sexual identity: queer
Location: San Francisco

Re: Cycle Length

Unread post by Johanna »

[Heather beat me to it.]
"The question is not who will let me, but who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand
Fender909
not a newbie
Posts: 127
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:17 pm
Age: 25
Awesomeness Quotient: My passion for music.
Primary language: English
Pronouns: None preferred
Sexual identity: Pansexual
Location: CA, USA

Re: Cycle Length

Unread post by Fender909 »

I've had my period for almost four years.

So if I'm not eating healthily enough that could be the cause of erratic/irregular periods (aside from the fact that I'm still within those first five years)?

What should I do diet wise to help regulate?
Ashleah
previous staff/volunteer
Posts: 463
Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2014 7:14 am
Age: 37
Awesomeness Quotient: "I'm a woman phenomenally"
Primary language: English
Pronouns: She/Her
Sexual identity: Straight
Location: Atlanta

Re: Cycle Length

Unread post by Ashleah »

Not eating enough or over exercising can lead to irregular periods (inactivity can as well), however we can't be sure if that is what is going on with your cycle. If you have concerns you can discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Below is a link on taking care of yourself! It includes information on dietary needs. Take a look and let us know if you have any more questions.

http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodie ... eteen_doit
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post