I am 15. The doctor put me on the pill (Ortho Tri-cyclen) for six months for an ovarian cyst. I finished four months ago. It took two months to get my period, and then I haven't had it since. Now I can feel that the cyst is back. What should I do? Is it safe to go back on the pill? I have had very irregular periods, too.

S.

The pill can be a very effective treatment for ovarian cysts and irregular cycles. You, however, may or may not have an ovarian cyst -- you need to see your gynecologist. Lack of periods may be sign of an ovarian cyst -- or of pregnancy or other conditions.

If your gynecologist does diagnose an ovarian cyst, then he or she may recommend the pill. The pill can help speed up the resolution of the cyst and perhaps keep cysts from recurring. Most of the time, ovarian cysts will actually go away by themselves.