When female adolescents get their first menstrual period, they should expect irregular cycles for about a year or two because their sex hormone production is still in the process of stabilization. The same thing happens when a woman reaches the menopausal stage. The menstrual cycle becomes erratic. During this time, ovarian hormone levels begin to fluctuate. A woman again experience irregular cycles.

However, women can expect to have ?regular? monthly cycles between adolescence and menopause with the exception of some conditions that may change the pattern, such as pregnancy, illness, medications, stress, cysts, and other problems.

To have variations within a month is not uncommon. But the pattern should not deviate too much. According to Dr. Robert Shenken, president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, menstruation that occurs between 22 and 40 days apart falls within the norm. The first day of the menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of vaginal bleeding.

?If a woman was having a 40-day cycle, and all of a sudden, she's having a 22-day cycle, that would be a concern. The cycle links should be within plus or minus five days,? said Shenken.

Oftentimes, a significant change could be sign of a problem. Many experts say it's best to closely observe your periods over three months before becoming overly worried. Menstrual bleeding time or an actual period is usually two to eight days long, and anything outside of that is a cause of concern.

Women's sexual health concerns like menstruation should always be discussed with a doctor so that symptoms may be evaluated early on. Keeping a menstrual diary helps your doctor in making a proper diagnosis of your condition. It will also help you keep track if you're having a normal cycle or not.

Here are some helpful things to note:

* How many days is it from the first day of one period to another?

* How long do your periods last?

* How heavy or light is the bleeding? What are the heaviest days in your cycle?

* Do you have spotting in between periods? If so, when? After sex?

* Do you have pain? Describe it. Where is it coming from? When does it occur?

* What are your other symptoms? Do you experience headaches, backaches, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, or fainting spells? Do you have any unusual discharge?

* Are you taking any medications?

During consultation, it's important to report your medical history (if it's not already known), and family history of disease. Make sure to tell the physician what else is going on in your life. Sometimes emotional distress, diet, or exercise can affect women's sexual health.

Keeping track of your periods could also give you a clue if you're pregnant, when it's best to be more vigilant about contraception, when you're ovulating, or if you could be experiencing perimenopause.

The relationship between patient and doctor should be a partnership. If your doctor isn't meeting your needs, it may be time to find one who will pay attention.