i'm somewhat irregular (the amount of days in my cycle change) but i always bleed 4-5 days with a moderate amount of blood. i became sexually active this past june, and since then they have not been quite right. my past 6 periods have all been 2-3 days long, and a bit lighter than usual. the blood is normal red, and there is some clotting sometimes. i have normal PMS and cramps, too.

i've taken 4 hpts and all were negative. my doctor also did a pelvic exam and said there were no pregnancy signs. she said it's most likely stress, but it's still concerning me since this has been going on for around 4 months. should i worry, or might this just be normal? i don't think such a short period for so many months is a good sign. i'm seventeen by the way, i don't know if that has any part in it. and i'm also NOT on birth control pills, and have not had sex since june.

help?!

Being 17 could have something to do with it. How long have you been having periods? Women at all ages experience strange periods and at 17, its possible that you'll still experience changes due to hormone fluctuations, etc. All part of growing up.

For the record, I highly suggest you either get two forms of reliable birth control, or start taking prenatal vitamins in the event you do become pregnant. Prenatal vitamins (folic acid) need to be in your system prior to conception to avoid neural tube defects in your child.