The Sunday News
Hi Sis Noe
I HAVE a problem with my periods. I sometimes miss them. What is wrong with me? — Worried.
Reply
Missing a menstrual period is a lot more common than most people realise. This is often called amenorrhoea, which is the technical word for absence of menstrual periods. In women who are not pregnant, amenorrhea is usually due to a hormonal imbalance. While these hormonal imbalances are not usually serious, there are some long-term health risks that can be avoided with treatment. Understand that missing a period is neither a disease nor a sure sign that you’re pregnant. Sometimes missing a period is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Usually if the period is late and the woman is not pregnant, the cause is hormonal. This means that she is not ovulating regularly for some reason. Missed periods are often a result of undergoing a lot of stress. Stress can upset the normal hormonal balance in your body, causing your period to come late or skip a month. Some other characteristic causes of missed periods include undergoing any major changes in your life, such as moving, starting a new job, or changed eating or exercise habits. Loss of significant amount of weight can also cause you to miss a menstrual period. If you find that this condition persists over a few months, you should make an appointment with a doctor. If you miss more than three cycles or have any symptoms that are worrying you, you should see your doctor to check for the cause of the problem. Usually it does not turn out to be serious and may resolve on its own. But it is advisable to invest in your health before it gets out of control. The associated hormonal imbalances caused by missed periods may take a toll on your health in the long run. Avoid that by getting in control of your cycles.
Hi Sis Noe
I am using Depo but I am bleeding. What’s wrong with me? — Worried.
Reply
Depo bleeding side effects can occur as your body is adjusting to Depo Provera. Many women report experiencing irregular bleeding (spotting) and/or prolonged bleeding (like a continuous period) during this time. Unfortunately, there is no way to know ahead of time if you will experience this Depo Provera side effect. If you are not patient enough to wait out the bleeding there may be some treatments available. Keep in mind though, these interventions and medications may help stop the bleeding, but there is no evidence to support the routine use of these options. Seeking such interventions may help increase your likelihood of sticking with Depo Provera.
Hi Sis Noe
I have not had my periods for two months but the pregnancy test says I am not pregnant. — Worried.
Reply
If you miss more than three periods in a row and pregnancy tests are negative, your doctor should give you a thorough evaluation in case something is wrong. Women can stop having regular periods for many reasons, including excessive exercise and other health problems. You may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)caused when high levels of certain hormones stimulate your ovaries to produce lots of follicles. None of the follicles mature enough to release an egg. Because you haven’t ovulated, you don’t have a period either. Other signs of PCOS include excessive hair growth on your face, chest and lower abdomen, acne, and a tendency to put on weight around your middle. Also if you produce prolactin at an abnormal level, you might miss one or more periods. A woman usually makes prolactin when she is breastfeeding, which is why her periods stop during this time. If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, but have a milky discharge from your nipples then prolactin could be the cause. There are other reasons why your period may have become irregular or stopped. For example you could be suffering from the side-effects of a medicine you may be taking. If your period doesn’t arrive, and you are still getting negative pregnancy tests, or your menstrual cycle continues to be erratic, see your doctor.
Hi Sis Noe
I get too wet during sex that I don’t feel anything and I think my boyfriend is not satisfied even if he has not complained. — Help.
Reply
Despite your qualms, lubrication is essential for enjoyable sex. Not only does it ease penetration, allowing your man to thrust more vigorously, it boosts your below-the-belt sensitivity, increasing your chances for a mind-blowing orgasm. Vaginal wetness varies from woman to woman and from one sexual encounter to the next. There are several possible reasons your lube level has increased. If you have recently started or stopped using the birth control pill, or switched to a new one, hormonal fluctuations could be the cause. Your degree of wetness can also be dictated by the different stages of your menstrual cycle. Many women produce more fluid during ovulation. But, most likely, you are becoming so lubed because you are super-aroused, and that’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, your guy is probably patting himself on the back for knowing how to push all of your buttons in bed. If, however, you are getting so wet that your partner’s penis slips out of you, or if you are not feeling enough friction during sex, have him wear a condom. If he already does use rubbers, suggest a textured one to increase sensation. You can also use a towel or a cloth to dry yourself a little.
Hi Sis Noe
My girlfriend has a smelly mouth. She used to be ok but for the last few months her mouth stinks and I dread kissing her. She also has a strong stench on her body. Our sex life is dying because of it and I feel uncomfortable when we are close. When she is away I miss her so much but the moment we are together I want to be kilometres away. The smell is dividing our love. How do I tell her that her mouth smells? — Worried.
Reply
Your girlfriend, apart from the stench, sounds lovely. I wonder then why she doesn’t appear to have any family, friends or colleagues. Surely at some point one of them would have said something about the fumes. Because you love each other I feel you should have reached a point where a sensitive subject like this could be broached. Don’t just blurt out “You stink!” but try more roundabout ways of alerting her to the problem. “I have noticed recently that your breath has a sort of metallic scent. I wonder if you should see a doctor.” To be honest this does sound like a medical problem unless after some time together she just decided to stop washing and brushing her teeth. Telling her will never be easy but surely that is better than letting her get weird looks in the queue at the supermarket or from the person sitting next to her at the cinema. Does she brush her teeth? Change her clothes? Shower? If she doesn’t then she needs to start and if she does, she needs to look further afield for the cause, be it with a dentist or a doctor. Your girlfriend has a problem. You love her; so help her fix it.
Hi Sis Noe
I’m a girl aged 18 and I have just broken up with my boyfriend and I’m the one who caused it, not that I was cheating. But I still want him. — Help.
Reply
At your age inconsistent behaviour in a relationship is expected and it’s normal. Today you cherish your boyfriend, tomorrow you can’t stand him. So don’t beat yourself but you should learn to restrain from saying things you don’t mean. If you still love him go and tell him that you make a mistake and you are sorry. Don’t try to create excuses that do not exist, just be honest.
