woody@dsd.UUCP (01/06/84)
The main disadvantage with irregular periods is that you don't know when they'll arrive! Although I can usually guarantee I'll "hit" during my vacations, major holidays, and definitely during a romantic weekend. If you are trying to get pregnant (or trying to avoid it by using the "rhythm method"), there's the added problem of not knowing exactly when you ovulate, since it varies from month to month. I've kept very close track of my cycles for several years, and I go from a low of 26 days to a high of 38 days between periods. No discernable pattern. A seven-day flow is long, but not extraordinarily so. It's considered to be at the upper end of the "normal" range. I used to have periods that long through my 'teens and early 20's, but they have shortened to about three/four days during the last few years (I'm now 32). Maybe you have that to look forward to! Various gynecologists have told me that I'm "perfectly normal," even with all my vagaries, so I'm not worrying. woody
blk@sytek.UUCP (Brian L. Kahn) (01/10/84)
I have heard that the self-awareness gained from learning the "mucus method" can actually help irregular periods become more regular. Has anyone on the net experienced or even heard of this? Mucus method is a birth control technique based on watching your body (especially vaginal mucus) so closely that you know your cycles. It is MUCH more dependable than rhythm. B<