Q: I would like to know if I am normal – my mum says I am, but I’m not like my friends.
I am 13 and have started my periods, but I thought they were supposed to be once a month.
My friends have them regularly but I don’t. Some months I don’t have them at all, and sometimes they are only three weeks apart.
Sometimes they have been very heavy and painful, and sometimes I hardly notice them at all.
I don’t want to talk to my friends about it because they’ll think I’m stupid, but shouldn’t my periods be every month?
I’ve tried looking it up on the internet, but I’m still not sure as there is so much information.
A: I don’t know how long you’ve been menstruating, but it can take as much as three years for it to settle into a regular pattern.
That’s not just the frequency, but also the pattern of the amount you bleed.
It’s a pity you don't feel you can talk to your friends, because some of them may have the same concerns.
For reliable information on the internet aimed at young people, stick to websites such as TheSite.org or the BBC.co.uk health pages, which are also very comprehensive.
It sounds as if your mum is right this time but don’t forget, you can always talk to your doctor if you have health worries – or ask to see a nurse if you’d find this easier.
Q: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. When I first met him I had been made redundant and was lacking in confidence.
He was kind, supportive and encouraging, and I soon found myself a good job.
Now I love my life – I’ve been promoted and am far more positive and confident. I get on well with all kinds of people and have many new friends.
But last week my boyfriend and I had a huge row in which he accused me of being cold and unfeeling towards him.
I was really taken aback as I feel as I always did towards him, and I certainly don’t think I’ve put up any barriers – something else he accused me of.
Since then he’s been really aloof. He’s making me question myself. I think I’m the person I’ve always been, but just with a bit more confidence.
A: It may be you are now as you were before you were made redundant, but you are not the same person your boyfriend met.
It could be the layers of confidence and greater emotional security are seen by him to be barriers.
If he wants things to be the same, with him playing the role of protective partner and you being dependent on him, it may be a sign you’ve outgrown this relationship.
Instead of feeling threatened, he should be proud of your success.
But if he isn’t, is he the right person for you?
Q: I am rather worried about my chances of developing diabetes, as my mum had it and just recently my sister has been diagnosed as well.
We’re both a bit overweight, although I think we eat quite healthily thanks to the way mum taught us to cook when we were kids.
My mum was diagnosed when I was in my teens, so she must have been in her early 40s, and I’m now 42.
I know there are things you can do, but I don’t want my doctor to think I’m a hypochondriac. Any suggestions?
A: You most definitely have the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, so I strongly suggest you see your GP right away.
You’re overweight and have a parent and sister with the condition, so your doctor won’t think you’re a hypochondriac – he will want to know and to monitor you.
However, although you have two of the known risk factors, that doesn’t mean you will definitely develop the condition, and there is a lot you can do to help.
Hard though it is, get your weight down as soon as you can – your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be between 18 and 21.
While you think you eat healthily, get it checked by a dietician – your doctor can refer you.
You also need to limit your alcohol consumption and make sure you take plenty of exercise.
Finally, don’t smoke – get help to give up if you need to.
Making changes to your lifestyle can make a significant difference to your chances of developing the condition.
To find out more, contact the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960 or visit diabetes.org.uk for more details.
The organisation can help both you in the prevention of diabetes, and your sister in learning to live with the condition.
Q: I am not shy, but I find it really difficult talking to people because I have a stupid lisp. It’s the sort of voice that would sound great on a girl, but on a six-foot-tall guy it sounds ridiculous!
I’m 19 and play rugby regularly – I’ve just joined a new club and the guys tease me a bit about it. That I can cope with, but talking to girls is a nightmare.
As a result, I don’t take part in a lot of the social side linked to the game and have very few close friends.
There must be someone who can help.
A: I would start by talking to your dentist – it may be a problem with the way your teeth meet.
If not then speak to your doctor, who could refer you to a speech therapist.
It will take work on your part, but a therapist will be able to explain the exact nature of your problem and suggest corrective exercises for you.
Meanwhile, don’t limit your social life because of your lisp – it hasn’t held Chris Eubank back – and most people, including women, are a lot more understanding than you think.
Write to Leader agony aunt Fiona Caine at The Evening Leader, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1XY. Letters and replies, with names strictly confidential