I'm 16, and I got my period about 4 yrs ago. It evened out after a year or two, and was, on average, about 7 days long. About a year ago I went vegetarian, and in the span of six months skipped about 3 periods... After that, things seemed back to normal, for a while.

About 3-4 months ago, however, my periods started getting really wacky. I've been bleeding for 2-3 weeks at a time, not heavily at all (on the heaviest days I'd go through 2-3 tampons). Then I'd have, like, 3 days off, and then start bleeding again. At the beginning and end of my period, the blood would be more so a light brown than the usual red. I get some cramping on the first day or two, nothing too bad, but otherwise there is no pain or anything.

I'd just like to know what you guys think about this... could it be something about me being a vegetarian? Is it temporary, and should I just wait it out? Could a lot of stress cause this (b/c according to some stress tests, I've had a very bad year... )?

Yes, stress can cause this. But not being a vegetarian.

You need to have this checked out by your doctor.

Also, a warning about tampon use. It can cause a deadly disease called toxic shock syndrome. The tampon needs to be changed no more than every 2 hours to avoid this.

I can't tell my mother, though. She'll think it's because I'm vegetarian (She doesn't like that I am, at *all*)!

It is not because you are a vegetarian, most likely it is because of your hormones. But you need to have your hormones checked out by your doctor.

I understand that your mother is upset about you being a vegetarian, unless you know exactly what foods to eat, it actually can be unhealthy.

Yeah, I know... I do my best to eat well. You know, lots of fruits, veggies, & grains. I don't think it's me being a vegetarian, either, but I just know she'll jump all over that as a reason.

Anyway, thanks for the help, and I'll try to think of a good way to bring it up.

You need to, especially since you are a vegetarian. You could be risking anemia caused by a long period and little protein. It is very important that you talk to your mom.