Your period is lasting forever! Seriously, you've had to wear protection everyday for a month and you're a little freaked out aboutit. Or maybe you feel like you have to pee 24/7 -- even when you just went 5 minutes ago. If either of these things have happened to you, or you've had other problems with your menstrual cycle, it's time to talk to your mum

Talking to your mum about your personal female problems can feel a little embarrassing, especially if you aren't used to talking about such things. But your mum is a good place to start for a lot of reasons. Here are some ways to "break the ice" when talking to mum about personal issues:

· Keep it casual. Maybe the idea of a big sit-down with your mum seems intimidating. So, try opening the conversation casually by saying something like, "Hey mum, has your period ever lasted a really long time?" This opens the door to discussion.

· Write it down. If it's hard for you to start a face-to-face discussion, leave your mum a note where only she'd find it. You could say something like, "Mum, I'm having a lot of pain with my periods lately. Can we talk about this tonight?" That way, she'll initiate a conversation with you and you won't have to worry about bringing it up.

· Be direct. You could take a straight-up approach and just tell her your feelings. Start by saying something like, "This is uncomfortable for me, but I need to talk to you about my period." That way, you and your mum can get to the root of your problem right away.

Whether or not anything is wrong, keep your mum up on your concerns and problems with your body. Even when things are normal, she might be able to give you tips on how to deal with cramps or other helpful advice. Chances are she had similar questions when she was young and will be glad you asked her. But remember, if you don't feel comfortable talking to your mum, be sure to ask another female relative or trusted adult for help if you think you have a problem.