8 Signs You Should See Your Doctor About Your Period

The menstrual cycle is a complex process that must occur precisely each month for normal menstruation to occur. Sometimes things can go wrong and you’ll need to see your doctor about your period. Here are eight signs that you need to see your doctor about your menstrual periods:

1. If you haven’t had your first period by the time you are 16, or by three years after you begin to develop breasts, you should see your doctor for diagnosis. If your breasts don’t begin to develop by the time you’re 13, see your doctor as well.
   See: What is Amenorrhea?
2. If you begin to menstruate irregularly, after having regular menstrual cycles, see your doctor.
   See: What is Irregular Bleeding?
3. If you have periods that occur less than 21 days apart, see your doctor for diagnosis.
   See: What is Polymenorrhea?
4. If your period lasts longer than 7 days, see your doctor.
   See: What is Menorrhagia?
5. If your menstrual cycles are more than 35 days long, see you doctor.
   See: What is Oligomenorrhea?
6. If you experience heavy bleeding that requires changing pads or tampons more often every one or two hours, see your doctor immediately.
   See: Severe Acute Bleeding
7. If you experience a sudden high fever, hypotension, and a skin rash during your period, seek emergency medical care. This is a sign of toxic shock syndrome or TSS.
   See: Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms and Prevention
8. If you experience severe pain or cramps during menstruation, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
   See: How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

_Source:

Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle; National Women’s Health Information Center; http://www.4women.gov/faq/menstru.htm; accessed 12/30/07.