Dear Iris,
Is there any way to tell when you have ovulated? If your period comes two times in one month, is another egg released? How often and why would your period come twice in one month?
Thanks, —A.B.

Dear A.B.,
Don't think of your period as "once a month." Think of it as a cycle that occurs every 21, 26, 28, 32....you fill in the number of days your cycle lasts. So if your cycle is less than 30 or 31 days, you are bound to get two periods in one calendar month. For example, if your period is on a 26-day cycle, you could get your period on May 1 and then again on May 27. If your cycle is shorter, it is even more likely that two periods may come in one month. Usually you ovulate 14 days before your period starts. I hope this clarifies this issue for you.
—Iris

Dear Iris,
My name is Jessica and I'm 22 years old. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant now for almost a year, to no avail. I've been taking the natural route trying to conceive without the use of drugs, but my problem is my irregular menstrual cycle. For instance in Nov I started on the 15th. Dec it was the 21st, and now Jan was the 22nd. It just bounces all around, and I know I can't get pregnant with this happening. I'm not sure what to do. Could you please help?
Thank you, —Jessica

Dear Jessica,
There are other ways to understand ovulation than to just count days in a cycle. There is a change in your vaginal discharge. When you ovulate, the discharge becomes very thin and watery. Your temperature changes slightly when you ovulate. You need to use a basal body temperature thermometer and check your temperature every day — before getting out of bed or participating in any activity. I suggest you have a consultation with your ob/gyn and let him/her know what you are experiencing. Maybe s/he can provide advice for you — I just gave you two ideas. After all, one year is not a very long time to be trying to conceive. After you try to pin down ovulation, you may be successful in pregnancy without any drugs.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
How long after ovulation can you get pregnant?
Thanks, —Dani

Dear Dani,
You are most fertile 14 days BEFORE the onset of your next menstrual period. You can usually tell when this is because your vaginal discharge becomes wetter and heavier at this time. You are liable to get pregnant if you have intercourse a week before you ovulate, the day you ovulate, or a day or two after you ovulate.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
Do you stop releasing eggs when you are on the pill? How does the pill ensure that you do not become pregnant? Is it OK if your period does not begin on the day you take your "sugar pill" but before or after?
Thanks, —Baileyjuice

Dear Baileyjuice,
You are right on with how the pill works. You do not ovulate. NO egg, no pregnancy. Call your doctor and ask him/her about your cycle length. I'm sure this is acceptable.
—Iris

Dear Iris,
I am 39 years old, and for the first time (except when I was pregnant), my period was two weeks late. I noticed last night that after I urinated there was bright red blood on the toilet paper. I was surprised to see how red the blood was. This morning it was spotty, to the point I never needed a pad. Tonight the discharge was a dark brownish color. I never got a period. My mother started going through menopause at the early age of 35. Could this possibly be the start? My husband had a vasectomy six years ago so I don't think I am pregnant. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much for your time, —Karla

Dear Karla,
For many years before you actually go through menopause, you are in perimenopause. This time is characterized by menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, itchy skin, dry vagina, etc. It is certainly possible that you are in this early stage of menopause (menopause is the last menstrual period and is only that occurrence). It does not follow that daughters inherit their mothers' patterns of menopause. Make an appointment with your gynecologist and discuss menopause with him/her.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
I wear a 40DD and the problem is I can't wear those grandma bras because they cut into my shoulders. I've been wearing an underwire, but it digs into my armpits and that hurts like crazy. What can I do?
Thank you, —Lisa

Dear Lisa,
You may have to have a bra made especially for you. There are shops in larger cities that cater to clientele like you. Why not go for a fitting?
—Iris