What are the possible signs of a menstrual problem?
The following are possible signs of having problems with menstruation: • Delayed first period: The following may be a sign of delayed menarche when menstrual periods have: • Not started within three years after having breast budding. • Not started by age 13 years and absent breast budding and other physical changes. • Not started by age 14 years and have any of the following: • Abnormal vagina or imperforated hymen. • History of too much exercise or eating disorders. • Excess hair growth on the chin, face, upper lip, sideburns, chest, around the nipples, or lower abdomen. • Not started by 15 or 16 years of age. • Irregular periods: Menstruation may be considered irregular when: • Changing sanitary napkins or tampons occurs more than once every 1 to 2 hours. • Episodes used to be regular, occurring every month, then become markedly irregular. • Happens more frequently than every 21 days or less frequently than 45 days. • Lasts for more than seven days. • Painful periods: These are also
