Is it normal for periods to stop and start

Find out what causes menstruation to become…. For many, it can be hard to distinguish between spotting and periods. Spotting is quite common and is usually no cause for concern.

It may just…. What causes a period to start and stop? What does it mean? Why does it happen? Changes in hormones Other conditions Seeing a doctor Summary Some people may experience periods that start as they expect, then stop and start again. Share on Pinterest It is not unusual for a person to have irregularities in their menstrual cycle. Why might it happen? Changes in hormone levels.

Share on Pinterest Hormone levels may affect menstrual flow. Conditions that may cause irregular periods. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should talk to their doctor if they have severe cramps during their period.

Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Causes and treatments for a period that won't stop. Why do I have two periods in a month? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. What causes bleeding between periods? What you need to know about irregular periods. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. The differences between spotting and periods.

Read more about heavy periods , period pain , irregular periods and stopped or missed periods. Periods usually begin at around the age of 12, although some girls will start them earlier or later. A delay in starting periods isn't usually a cause for concern. Most girls will be having regular periods by age 16 to Read more about girls and puberty. Sanitary products soak up or collect the blood released during your period. The main types of sanitary products are:. Sanitary pads are strips of padding that have a sticky side you attach to your underwear to hold them in place.

One side of the pad is made of an absorbent material that soaks up the blood. Pads come in many sizes, so you can choose one to suit how heavy or light your period is. Pantyliners are a smaller and thinner type of sanitary pad that can be used on days when your period is very light.

Tampons are small tubes of cotton wool that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood before it comes out of your body. There are 2 types of tampon - ones that come with an applicator and others without an applicator that you insert with your fingers. In both cases, there's a string at one end of the tampon, which you pull to remove it. Tampons come with instructions that explain how to use them. If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not be able to feel it inside you.

If you can feel it or it hurts, it might not be in properly. It is not possible for a tampon to get stuck or lost inside you. Your vagina holds it firmly in place and it expands inside you as it soaks up the blood. Menstrual cups are an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons. The cup is made from silicone and you put it inside your vagina. Menstrual cups collect the blood rather than absorb it.

Unlike sanitary pads and tampons, which are thrown away after they've been used, you can wash menstrual cups and and use them again. However, it could indicate fertility issues. Joshua Hardison. If you are not pregnant, amenorrhea can be caused by a wide variety of conditions and illnesses such as: Mayo Clinic. Effective treatment depends upon the underlying cause.

For example, if your period has stopped due to stress, we may recommend some lifestyle changes to help you. Treatment may also involve helping you maintain a healthy weight. Hormonal supplements are another solution. We can usually schedule an appointment with you that same week. For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges.

Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations.

To schedule an appointment , please contact us for more information. The Mayo Clinic. National Institutes of Health.