[limegreen]

All right first off.. I'm 16... sooo I just had to leave school because my period was so bad. I mean the bleeding is so heavy its scaring me and its making me uncomfortable. I woulkd bleed through a tampon in less than 3 hours. Is that bad? Can someone give me advice? Is there any way to treat it yourself with out going to a doctor? Or anything I can do to make the bleeding lighter? Helpppp pleasee I'm very scared.

[pab]

Don't worry. That is normal, especially at your age. I have daughters 15 and 17 and they tell me the same thing. Your periods are probably becoming more regular, and that will happen. Especially the first few days of your period will be heavier. My 15 year old has me buy super tampons lately because she bleeds so much. She is also starting to have more excruciating back pain and cramps. Its all normal.

[Cgirl]

I will say, it probably is normal. Some people just have heavier periods than others. I do know, however that if you drink a lot of water (or at least the suggested amount 8-10 glasses/day) it will lighten up your period quite a bit. I know it can be scary though, although you are probably fine, do you have someone you can talk to about this, like a female family member?

[Fr_Chuck]

First it is a natural thing in life, nothing to be afraid or or ashamed of.

I would hope you could talk to your mother about these things or have a close female adult you can talk to about things.

But of course a doctor is there only to help us, and while we don't have to run to the doctor for everything, if we are ever truly scared about something or worrried, it can not hurt to have anything checked. Letting any female issue go unattended can cause all sorts of issues.

Since of course I raised only boys and I am a man, I have little first hand advice on your issue, I just want you to know it is natural to worry and you should feel as if you can discuss this with the school nurse, your mom and your doctor if you believe you need to.