QuestionI am 14, and I've had my period for over 2 years. It has always been pretty regular. Last month it was early, and then I had some light spotting in the middle of my cycle. Now, I am 5 days late, but I've had cramps the last 5 days with no spotting or blood flow. I know that I am not pregnant- I haven't had sex. What can I do? I am going out of my mind!!!
AnswerDear Sarah,
I would suspect that your early period and now the delayed period is likely due to a bit of a hormonal imbalance - as most cycle irregularities are. This happens occasionally for all women - even those who are usually like "clockwork". There are many various potential causes for irregularities in our cycles. They are:
-Significant weight gain or loss
-Excessive or strenuous exercise
-Poor nutrition (or a diet too high in carbohydrates)
-Smoking
-Drug use
-Excessive caffeine intake
-Excessive alcohol use (interfering with how the liver metabolizes estrogen and progesterone)
-Eating disorders
-Increased stress
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome/estrogen dominance
-Uterine abnormalities (fibroids/cysts/polyps/endometriosis)
-Medications
-Chemotherapy
-Thyroid dysfunction
-Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or D&C
-Breastfeeding
More than likely your cycles will return to a fairly normal pattern. Typically, interruptions like this are related to something different going on in our lives recently. We really don't get concerned until a woman misses three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason OR if periods become very heavy with or without clotting on a rather continual basis. At that point, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
