Abnormal Period Length

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I have been on my period since Dec. 2 . Today is Dec. 21 . It stopped earlier this morning and I thought my period was over, but it just started again...heavily. I mean, I went to the bathroom and there was no blood and I went to the bathroom five or ten minutes later and blood was all over the place. What's going on? I thought the normal period length was five to seven days, so why has it been nearly three weeks? Advice, concerns, comments, please!

Are you one the pill?Either way it warrents a call to the gynecologist.

No, I am not on the pill. I have never taken any birth control. I've always had abnormal periods (I skip around so much I can't predict when I'll have it). This is the third month in a row I've actually ahd my period, so I think I'm getting regular, although this recent lenthy period has confused me.

Why do you think I need to go to the gyno? Do you think there's a problem? I've been there before and they told me I have symptoms of polycystic ovaries, but...I never got help because my insurance ran out.

Oh em gee! Don't even get me started on that stupid period. I hate when it prolongs like that and it seems like it will never ever go away. It happened to me I had it for almost a full month. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me it just wouldn't stop. You should try getting it checked out. But there's nothing better than those "Pop! Surprise! Here I am unexpectedly" periods. Those... can be annoying. I don't know why that happens either because it's like you have a schedule but that little friend decides to appear from no where. Stinks. Get it checked out though.

Why? You've had it for 3 weeks. That's not right.

\> I never got help because my insurance ran out.
Don't get me going on our health care system and all of the people who have no insurance.
Is there any kind of clinic available, like a family planning clinic?

There's a planned parenthood somewhere around here. But i thought that was just for suspected pregnancies?

Planned Parenthood will see you for other conditions.Also, some hospitals will 'rate' you on your income if you do not have insurance. The more money you make, the more you pay out of pocket. If you do not have a job or insurance, you are still entitled to health care. Unfortunately, you will have alot of medical bills.

They're usually for sexual health in general not just for possible pregnancies.

I don't know about Planned Parenthood specifically, but there are women's health clinics that cover more than just pregnancy issues. Give them a call or a visit. If they can't help you directly, they'll at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Okay. I'll have a talk with my mom about it. She said she didn't feel concerned, but if it lasted much longer she'd take me to the doctor anyway. Last time I went they charged me nearly $900 just to LOOK at me.

If you're over 18, your mother has nothing to do with your insurance, other than that if she had any, she could put you on it, if you're a full-time college student.Are you in college? You usually automatically have some sort of coverage by the college. Do they have a clinic? Is there any possibility of getting insurance through your job?

I'm in a rather unlucky situation. I'm 19 and the semester ended on Dec. 16. I don't know if I'm still covered with my parents' insurance or not. Last time I risked "being on the insurance", I wasn't, and that costed ME $900.

Also, what do clinics charge?

I think the clinics charge on a sliding scale, but it's usually not too much, in any case. When you telk to them, you can ask them about it.It shouldn't be a mystery whether you're on your parents' health insurance. They should know. You are either listed on their policy or you're not. If there's any question, you or your parent need to call the insurance company. In any case you should have an insurance card if you're covered. What would happen if you had a real emergency and were taken to an emergency room?You also need to get in touch with someone at your college, even if it's between semesters. Just becuase the students are out of class doesn't mean that the whole place shuts down.

Of course it warrents a trip to the gyno have you any idea how much blood you might be losing? And 21 days is far beyond 'lengthy' by word of periods. you need to get yourself an appointment. now.

Get on your school's health insurance plan. Just because the semester is over doesn't mean health insurance ends.

Would you rather have money and risk damaging you reproductive system, and complicating whatevers happening until it costs even more to fix?OrLoose some money and make sure your not in serious trouble.If you can't pay it your parents (I assume) would help you out. A 21 day period sounds very abnormal to me.

I have heard that some girls with irregular periods get on the pill to regulate them. You may check into that.