h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Can anyone tell me how long roughly women have between periods. The problem being I can't remember the last time I was on and am now getting really worried. I know it may sound silly but I'd prefer to ask people here then go and see a doctor straight away as doctors always seem to be patronising.

If you are afraid you're pregnant, can't you buy a test in your pharmacy?

If that's not your problem, you should go and see your doctor. And maybe mark future periods in a calendar.

What Bel says.

Also consider that there are many ways of being 'irregular' as well as many factors.

Between 23-35 days is the most common regular period of time. Irregularities range from having the period
- 1 or 3 times a year
-every 2 or 3 months with heavy bleeding
-twice in the same month and none until the next two months.
( All that´s what I remember from my classmates´ comments)

the reasons why there are irregularities can be really diverse:
medication
stress
hormonal imbalance
loss/gain of weight
etc.
It´s better to visit the ginecologist. Maybe she should advice you to take a blood test to check how your hormones work.

Some birth control methods can really mess up periods too, the implant and long-term injection being the worst culprits.

The doctor had forgotten to mention this to a friend when she had the implant put in, she didn't have a period for ages and was worried the contraceptive hadn't worked and that she was pregnant.

If you've changed your method recently, it could be a factor.

Well a lot of women choose those contraceptive methods because they don't want their periods!

And yes 23 - 35 days. Though many women do have normal cycles that are a bit more irregular than that.

If you have had sex then get a pregnancy test from the chemist. If it goes on for longer see your Doctor. Most women who have slightly irregular cycles are perfectly healthy so it might not be worth doing more tests just yet.

I've taken a test and it says I'm not so I'm very confused will wait a bit longer.

Bodies are odd things and medication, emotional upsets and stress can all affect periods. If you are concerned, talk to your GP. They can ask you all the right questions.

Don't worry. With the right frame of mind everything will be all right.

Hi Opti,

I took a quick look at your personal space to see whether you are very young. This seems not to be the case.

I know little about periods but if they have been regular up to now, it seems like something worth mentioning to a doctor.