What might be wrong if a girl at 13 years old has a very long but light period for 3 weeks when she is not on any medication and hasn't been sexually active either Getting very worried?

Answer 1

It sounds like you may have abnormal uterine bleeding.

There could be any number of possible causes, such as but not limited to:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Phantom pregnancy
  
• A hormonal disorder
• Ovarian syndrome
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Reaction to contraceptives
• Fibroids
• In the worst case scenario, uterine cancer

This is not a definite diagnosis, just an opinion from research. You should see a doctor. The sooner you have this condition diagnosed and treated, the better. Discuss it with a parent or teacher. Do not be embarrassed because you are not alone.

Further reading:

• BetterHealth: Menstruation - abnormal bleeding
• WebMD: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Answer 2

Periods can often be very irregular, sometimes very short or very long, especially during teenage years. Typically, however, it should not last for three weeks. You should first talk to your mom or other adult caregiver. Ask that they arrange a doctor's appointment for you. Note: In many areas, Planned Parenthood will do free or low cost exams. The main concern with very long periods is that it is possible to become anemic from blood loss. However, with it being light, this might not apply to your situation. The other good news is that since hormones control periods, a doctor can prescribe 10 days of a hormone that will "reset" your cycle. It will stop the period you are having, give you a 21-30 time free from bleeding, and let your body return to its normal cycle.

if you've never had an exam, there's nothing to fear, though it can feel embarrassing and awkward. But doctors have seen thousands of women's bottoms, including when women are menstruating. A nurse will be in the room the whole time; your mom or another adult can be with you too, if you wish. You should go to the bathroom before the exam to empty your bladder (ask if they want a urine sample because they probably will). You will undress in private, and put on a gown and have a paper sheet to put over your lower half. The nurse will help you through each part. You'll put your feet in stirrups with a paper sheet covering you. The doctor will come in only after you are undressed/covered. There will be a lamp beside the doctor which will help him see. ASK the doctor to explain what he will do before he does it, that way you won't feel surprised or scared. The doctor should wash his hands first, then, while wearing gloves, he might insert a speculum with a lubricant on it (depends whether you have an intact hymen; many girls do not have an intact hymen even though they never had sex). A speculum is often cold and feels weird but it's not a big deal. The doctor might also insert 1 finger into your vagina, and at the same time, press on your low belly to feel the uterus and ovaries. This should not cause any pain, but it can produce crampy feelings like you have during a period. After feeling on your belly on both sides, which just takes a minute, the nurse will help you sit up, all covered up again. The doctor removes his gloves and washes his hands again, and might leave the room so you can get dressed, then come back. Or, after washing his hands, he will sit on the stool and talk to you while he makes notes in your chart. He will tell you what he thinks is going on and perhaps prescribe the hormones I mentioned above. After he leaves the room, you'll get re-dressed. Important--* Take an extra pad with you because you might bleed a little more after the exam; plus, it's just more comfortable because the lubricant will leak out during the next hour or so. Note: The doctor might want a follow-up appointment in a month, but usually there will not be another gyne exam that soon.

I doubt it's anything other than your body's hormones misbehaving. Hormones signal the ovaries and uterus to stop and start the stage you are in during a cycle. So if your hormones have gotten "out of whack", your body doesn't get the message to end the period and start rebuilding the uterine tissue. Though young girls can have problems with their ovaries (example: benign cysts; benign meaning nothing to worry about unless they increase in size), at your age you are more UNlikely to have a very serious issue. You just may need a short time of external hormones (meaning not produced by your body) to get your hormones back to normal working order. The doctor might recommend several months of "Birth Control pills" of a low dose hormone to get and keep you regular. I remember being on BC pills for 3 months when I was a teen, until my cycle went back to normal. And I had to have 10-day hormones to reset my cycle when I was in my 20s.

If you are put on BC pills, be very careful IF you become sexually active. Make sure the guy uses a condom. Some women get pregnant more easily *after* short term BC pills.

Also note: This appointment would be a good time to ask about any STD vaccines available for girls.