A Normal Period Doesn't Have to Be Regular

Some girls' periods arrive like clockwork. Others get theirs at slightly different times each month. Many girls get regular periods most of the time, but occasionally skip a period or get an extra period during times of pressure or stress. In fact, you may notice that when you go on a trip or have a major change in your schedule your period is late. All of this is perfectly normal.
It's also normal for the number of days a girl has her period to vary. Sometimes a girl may bleed for 2 days, sometimes it may last a week. That's because the level of hormones the body manufactures can be different from one cycle to the next, and this affects the amount and length of bleeding.
So how can you tell when you're about to get your period? If your cycle is not regular, you'll want to pay attention to the clues your body may give you. These include:
-back cramps or stiffness
-heavier breasts or breast soreness
-headaches
-acne breakouts
-disturbed sleep patterns
-mood swings
-bloating

Most of the time, irregular periods are part of the normal changes that can happen when you're a teen. At some point as you grow, your cycle will probably settle into a recognizable pattern. This usually happens by 3 years after your first period.
However, some teens may develop irregular periods — or stop having periods altogether — as a result of certain medications, excessive exercise, very low body weight, or not eating enough calories. Others may develop problems as a result of a hormone imbalance. For example, disorders of the thyroid gland can cause menstrual irregularities if the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood become too low or too high.

Some women have irregular periods because their bodies produce too much androgen, which is a hormone that causes increased muscle mass, facial hair, and deepening of the voice in males and the development of pubic hair and increased height in girls. High amounts of androgen can also cause hair growth on the face, chin, chest, and abdomen, and is sometimes associated with excessive weight gain.

If you have any of these problems, or if your periods are irregular for 3 years or more, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe hormone pills or other medications or recommend lifestyle changes that can help you to have regular periods.
It's important to see a doctor if you're sexually active and have missed a period. This could be a sign of pregnancy. You should also see your doctor if you start having periods that last longer than 7 days, are heavy, or are accompanied by severe cramping or abdominal pain.
In the meantime, if your periods are irregular, try keeping some pads or tampons in your backpack, just so you'll have them handy in case your period comes when you're not expecting it.

Irregularity also falls into 2 categories:
Long Term Irregularity
Long term irregularity can be anything from a cycle that varies in length from month to month to the experience of various abnormal symptoms, for example, excessive bleeding, no cycle for months at a time, very painful periods or ovulation.
To be on the safe side if your are experiencing prolonged bleeding or very painful symptoms it is wise to consult a doctor to find out what is going on.
Sudden or Short term Irregularity

Short term irregularity can be attributed to any of the causes listed above, and are generally a one off or sporadic occurrence. These cases are probably not a cause for great concern unless you are experiencing pain or just feel as if something is wrong.

What can be done about irregularity?

If you are experiencing bouts of irregularity, you need to examine your lifestyle. Review the causes listed above:
Are you under extra stress?
If so, what are some tangible steps you can take to reduce its effect upon your body? Can you change you thinking? Include more exercise or meditation in your routine? Have you got a support network? Is there action you can take?
Diet? Are you eating healthily and regularly? If not, do you need to improve the foods you eat or supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and herbs? We stock some excellent nutritional products that can support your cycle.

Too much exercise?

Are you addicted to exercise or slimming and just not feeding yourself enough or working your body too hard?
Drugs?
Excessive use of drugs can and does affect the menstrual cycle, they affect the physiology or biology or the body and also affect your emotional and mental health.
Break in routine?

Sexual activity and anxiety about pregnancy?
Sexual activity does seem to affect the menstrual cycle, probably due to hormones released during lovemaking.
It may also be due to underlying factors - unconscious or conscious anxiety about pregnancy, change in status, trust issues, and the impact of sex and the changes it causes in our intimate relationships.