[Randomlady]

Hello there, I'm 19 years old. I started my period when I was 13 years of age and have had a regular period for most of my time. (However in March 2006 I suffered from extreme depression which caused weight loss preventing my period. This was eventually resolved and the period returned to its regularity in September 2006.)

I just finished college in the summer of 2011 and ever since then I've been suffering from a weird sort of depression. I've felt a bit anemic at times and suffer more from anxiety than I usually do. My boss gave me some time off work; which made me feel even more depressed. In October/November, I started suffering stomach cramps between periods or just before, which isn't usual. December 1st I had an unusually painful period, though I managed to get through it with painkillers as per usual. However, I noticed on the 20th of December I had brown (clotting? tissue?) and this keeps happening on and off everyday forcing me to use pads everyday. On Dec 25th it progressed to more bleeding, as if it were a full period, then recessed back to the black/brown discharge every now and again.

It hasn't stopped since then, and today it started bleeding a bit more heavily again, suggesting I'm suffering from some kind of light consistent period. I get the usual symptoms of backache, fatigue, cramps, headaches and anemia. I've taken a suppliment of vitamins with Iron tablets, but this hasn't helped me much. (I started taking them in late November.)

I've tried discussing this with my mother, but because I do suffer from anxiety she throws it off. But when I was talking to my sister last night she said it could be a hormonal imbalance. I've had trouble finding people to talk to about this so a arranged a doctors appointment next week. Besides my sister, I feel she's the only one I can confidently talk to, and sadly the best she can do is only give her own experiences. She did say however that her first period lasted 2 weeks.

Is this a normal thing? Please help out this girl ^^; It's giving me alot of stress and I due to go back to work on Saterday; it involves lots of physical work so I want to get through it the best I can without suffering from these symptoms.

[Ashlee T.]

The best thing you did was scheduled yourself an appointment to discuss this with a doctor. Don't be all freaked out when you go. Just go in with a level head and the facts and let the doctor do their job. With all that you're body has been through, I don't think what you're experiencing is all that abnormal, but getting yourself checked out is the best thing to do.

Are you taking any type of birth control?

[Randomlady]

I'm not taking any form of birthcontrol right now; I've never had any and nor am I sexually active either. From what I've heard, the lack of sexual activity can sometimes be the cause of irregularity? Our bodies seem to be so unpredictable sometimes. Thank you so much for your input.

[Ashlee T.]

I'm not sure about the whole sexuality activity/regularity thing. I wouldn't expect that would have anything to do with it at all, but I could be wrong.

How is your weight now? Are you eating healthy and back up to a normal healthy weight for your height? Improper nutrition and unhealthy weight loss can cause your menstrual cycle to go bonkers.

Different levels of anemia can cause lack of period, heavy period, or spotting. What you're experiencing seems to be pretty consistent spotting.

Your doctor will help you understand what's causing all this and hopefully get you to feeling better.

[ItsASecret]

From what I've heard, the lack of sexual activity can sometimes be the cause of irregularity?

It has no effect. What can affect is the stress that one may feel from the lack of sexual activity. Stress by itself can mess up your cycle which seems to be the case in your situation.