(no subject)

[wordsandink.livejournal.com]

Hello all, I just wanted to say what a terrific community this is; I've been lurking around for awhile and everyone is so friendly and helpful. :)

However, I checked the memories and couldn't really find an answer to my problem. I'm 15 years old and got my period when I was 12; my cycle's been a bit erratic but I heard that's fairly normal in the beginning. I guess you could say it was "normal" blood flow and all that jazz. Recently, however, when I do get my period (still not in a regular cycle), I haven't been exactly bleeding - just spotting, a bit of reddishbrown stuff (clumps/clots more like). There is no actual blood. Today I got my period for the first time in a while and I was bleeding a *bit* in the beginning - and then I checked my pad and it's just a watery reddishbrown again, not thick like blood or anything.

Is there something wrong? Could it be stress, not eating properly (I do often sleep until noon or later and stay up late in the summer, often missing breakfast)? I have had no sexual activity ever, I'm just a bit worried to what this could mean. Should I wait a while to see if my flow gets heavier? Help is really appreciated.

edit: Ah, I should have checked back a couple of entries - they all mention how it can irregular in early years... but I hear so many different things. Plus I'd just like to know about the lack/clumping. Thanks.

Comments

[sargiegirl76.livejournal.com]

It could definitely be stress or a change in diet. I had the same sort of irregularities when I was around 15 or so. It's not a cause for concern really. Just hormones being wacky.

If you're very concerned, then you could see your doctor just to give you the peace of mind.

[wordsandink.livejournal.com]

Yep, that's probably it, crazy hormones, heh. Thanks. :)

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Even at almost 20 mine is a bit funny. My periods are like snowflakes. No two ever behave the same.

Keep in mind that what comes out during your period isn't the same kind of blood as what comes out of your finger when you get a papercut. Yes, there is "regular blood" mixed in, which is what gives it that scarlet color and smooth-ish texture, but you're also getting rid of a fair amount of uterine lining...which isn't necessarily red...or smooth. So unless you notice something REALLY weird going on (i.e. lots of big, painful clots, or breakthrough bleeding/spotting for a few consecutive months) you're probably just going through some of that weird hormonal crap and experiencing different phases of your cycle.

I also wanted to give you a thumbs up for bringing this up. When I was your age, there wasn't this cool LJ place where I could open up, but even if there was, I probably wouldn't have even been so observant. I was so disgusted with my body for putting me through this garbage that I wasn't quite as in-tune with my cycle as I should have been.

So in other words, welcome to the community. Don't be afraid to ask questions or share stories or discoveries with us. We're here for ya.

[wordsandink.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. I was a bit unsure because I hear so many things - if you're not "regular" by a certain age then something's "wrong" - but I've pretty much figured it out thanks to you guys. :)

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Nah, everyone is different, but it's not BAD if you're still not like clockwork by the time you're in your late teens/early 20s. But that's normally when you'd be considering hormonal birth control options which would fix that problem anyhow.

[http://users.livejournal.com/-imnotcrazy-/]

lol when i started Seasonale thats how my first period got. its weird but its nothing to worry about. then i was told that a lot of women get like that as they get older. also the thing about scheduling your period; i go to boarding school, and i live in a dorm with 20 other girls--literally no one can schedule their period (partially because we're living with each other) but periods can be a little weird, but its usually nothing to worry about.