February 15, 2008

Health Tip: Signs of an Unhealthy Menstrual Cycle

(HealthDay News) - A regular, healthy menstrual cycle is a good indicator of a woman's reproductive health. If you have problems with your period, see your doctor.

Here's a list of warning signs that something may be wrong, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• If you have no menstrual cycle by age 15, or within three years of breast development.
• If you have no period for more than 90 days.
• If you suddenly have irregular periods after having had regular periods consistently.
• If you have periods very often (21 days or less since the prior one) or very infrequently (45 days or more since the prior one).
• If you have periods that last longer than seven days.
• If you have abnormally heavy bleeding, or bleed or spot between periods.
• If you have severe pain, sickness or fever during your period or after using tampons.

-- Diana Kohnle

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