If you ever have any health concerns regarding your period, make sure you talk to your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if your menstrual cycle is abnormal or becomes abnormal suddenly. Some factors that should warrant a discussion with your doctor include: If you do not start your period by age 15, you should contact your doctor, as you may have a hormonal imbalance that is affecting the rest of your body as well. If your period is extra painful and you experience very heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than a week. If your period becomes irregular, delayed, or you have bleeding between established cycles. Amenorrhea is the lack of a menstrual period. Women should start having periods by the age of 15 and if you or your daughter has not received their first period by the age of 15, consult your doctor. If you have missed your period for more than three cycles after having regular periods, you may be experiencing secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea may be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. The most common cause of secondary amenorrhea is pregnancy. Amenorrhea may result if you are unhealthy and your body is not able to support a regular period. This may be because of excessive stress, a hormonal disorder, or an eating disorder. If your amenorrhea is hormonally linked, then your fertility may be at risk. Talk to your doctor right away, especially if you are concerned that you suffer from polycystic ovaries. Dysmenorrhea is a condition in which periods are unbearably painful. You may be able to take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease very painful cramping but if this condition continues, consult your doctor. In teens and younger women, dysmenorrhea is often caused by an excessive amount of prostaglandin. You may be able to regulate the amount of this hormone in your body by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight most of the time. In more mature women, dysmenorrhea may manifest due to a serious medical condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis. You should know what a normal period feels like if you have had regular periods in the past. Keep an eye out for abnormal bleeding. Talk to a doctor immediately if you have irregular bleeding. Discomfort and bleeding after sex are serious signs of possible medical conditions. Make sure you talk to your doctor if any sexual activity or intercourse results in bleeding. Spotting between periods and heavy bleeding during your period can result in discomfort and are also warning signs that you need to heed. Different factors can lead to abnormal periods. Maintaining a healthy weight and seeing your doctor about possible illnesses help you to have normal periods. Dysfunctional ovaries can lead to hormonal dysfunction and cause you to have abnormal periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency are two examples. Abnormalities in your reproductive structures caused by disease or infection can also cause you to have abnormal periods. Have your doctor check you out for endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids. High stress, low body weight, and eating disorders take a large toll on your body and can disturb normal menstrual cycle. You should have annual pelvic exams to ensure that any menstrual irregularities are diagnosed as soon as possible. Tracking your period and monitoring your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose you properly and create a treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe you oral contraceptives or progesterone to treat your menstrual irregularities.
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One-sentence summary -- Understand when to talk to your doctor about your periods. Recognize amenorrhea. Find out if you suffer from dysmenorrhea. Recognize abnormal vaginal bleeding. Understand what causes abnormal periods. See a doctor.

Celebrate your brother's birthday and other special days. This will make him feel appreciated. Find out if your brother is involved with a sporting event, volunteer organization, or hobby. Show up and lend your support at these events. Send cards for special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, accomplishments etc. Don't just send a card or present. Try to find a card or gift that your brother will really like based on his sense of humor or interests. Kids can make a special card or present for their brother to show they appreciate their siblings on special occasions. Older kids, like teens, can also do this or plan a special surprise for their brother. Something homemade and carefully thought out shows more appreciation than something you can buy. Making your brother his favorite dinner or favorite snack will make him happy. Cooking for someone will make them feel appreciated. Take the time to learn your siblings favorite foods. This shows you take an interest in them. This can be a great activity to do with your brother. Have him teach you how to make his favorite meal, then make it for him by yourself another time. Kids shouldn't cook without supervision, though this could be a perfect way for teen siblings to bond. Whether you are a kid or an adult, helping your brother do chores or a big project can help to build your relationship. If you are a kid, offer to take over one of your brother's chores for a week. This will give him more time to do something he likes. Teens can help their brother with a school project, for example. If you are older find out if your brother is working on a big project such as a building project, landscaping, or yard work. Offer to help him get materials or work on the project with him. Cooperating on a task or project can be a relationship strengthening exercise. Offering a helping hand to your brother will show that you care about him and that you are paying attention to what he does and what he needs.
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One-sentence summary --
Remember special events. Learn your brother's favorite meal. Offer to help your brother with housework or a project.