Answers to Your Top Period Questions

Relax. It's normal for your period not to be normal -- especially in the first few years after starting your period . Stress, exercise, and sickness can all cause you to miss one. It can happen if you gain or lose a lot of weight. Of course, it can also happen if you're pregnant. If you skip more than two in a row, see your doctor.

Tampons rarely cause infections leading to TSS. To lower your chances of getting the infection, change your tampon every 4 hours or so. Wear a thinner tampon, too. If you have fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, or a rash 2-3 days after your period starts, see your doctor.

It's probably not as much as it seems. Most women lose about 3-4 tablespoons of blood each period. If you use more than 10 pads or tampons a day, or are soaking through a tampon or pad every hour, talk to your doctor.

For most women, it goes on for 3 to 5 days. If that's not you, don't worry. One can last as few as 2 days of as many as 7. If you're bleeding more than 7 days in a row, talk to your doctor.

Ranging from light or slender to regular, super, and super plus, different tampons can absorb different amounts. Choose yours based on how much you're bleeding. Don't use a heavier tampon than you need. Remember to change your pads and tampons every 4 hours or so. Use a pad at night to lessen the growth of bacteria on your tampon.

You can get pregnant at any time, even when you're bleeding. If you don't want that, talk to your doctor about using some type of birth control, no matter what time of the month it is. It's also important to protect yourself against STDs, so check with your doctor to make sure you're practicing safe sex.

Try a pain reliever like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. You can also use a heating pad on your lower back or stomach. Increasing hydration and avoiding caffeine can help. And a warm bath might help you feel better, too.

When it comes, your body can hold in water and make you feel bloated. When your jeans feel a little tight, cut the salt in your diet and skip the caffeine. It can also help to stay active.

Not for most women. Remember, your vagina is made to stretch (think childbirth). There should be plenty of room for a tampon to fit. If it hurts, don't force it, especially if it's your first time using one. A lighter absorbency tampon may work better.

We're not sure what exactly causes cravings and other PMS symptoms, but it seems like hormones are involved. Some women really want foods like ice cream, chocolate, and potato chips when their period comes. Need something sweet? Reach for fruits instead. Want fatty, fried, or greasy foods? Choose healthier fatty foods like salmon, nuts, or avocado.

You may want to exercise, skip salty foods, and cut back on caffeine the week before your period. If your mood is still tricky, talk to your doctor. They may suggest you take medication.

Not always. Sometimes women can still bleed early in their pregnancy. If the bleeding doesn't seem like a regular period, or if you're nauseated or tired, you may want to see your doctor or take a pregnancy test.