Rather than having the monthly cycle described by the illustrated pamphlets in my health class, I noticed that the bleeding would only come every three months or so. When it did, it would last for weeks on end. At first, I was too embarrassed to mention anything to anyone. Like many young girls, I absorbed the cultural message that what was happening to me should remain in secret lest I make anyone uncomfortable. Of course, over time, as the soiled pads began to stack up in the bathroom trash can, my mother took notice and gently suggested that we go to the doctor.