My 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a double uterus. She has had an ultrasound and a MRI test, and everything else looks fine. The problem is that she has two periods every month one every two weeks and they last a week. She also gets severe cramping. The doctors have mentioned putting her on the Pill. They also mentioned a possible blockage and said a laparoscopy might be necessary. I'm confused. I just want her to have one period a month and less cramping. What do you suggest?

--T.B.

Your daughter should see a specialist -- a pediatric/adolescent gynecologist or a reproductive endocrinologist -- for discussion of her treatment options and possible additional testing. Severe cramping may indicate that half of her uterus does not open properly to a cervix, and menstrual blood may be collecting; this can increase the chance of scarring or endometriosis, which in turn can cause pain or future fertility problems. In this case, the portion of the uterus that does not communicate with the outside is usually removed.

Often doctors refrain from using birth control pills in young girls; the estrogen in the pill may contribute to premature closure of the growth plate in bones and, therefore, a shorter-than-expected height. Once the growth spurt is over, however, the pill can be used. Progesterone, either natural or synthetic, is often used to control bleeding in young girls.

It's possible that the two periods a month may have nothing to do with her double uterus Most girls have irregular bleeding for several months after their periods begin. It takes a while for the entire system to mature, and most periods in the first 12-18 months are anovulatory (meaning that ovulation is not occurring) and irregular. A bleeding disorder such as von Willibrand's disease must be ruled out as well.