Females: Your Period / Question
Published: January 8, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have had my period since the 6th grade, but the problem is that it suddenly stopped in April. I haven't had it since, and it is already January. I am not sexually active so what's the deal?
Signed: Missing My Period
Dear Missing My Period,
You stated that you have had your period since 6th grade, but you did not tell TeenHealthFX how old you are now. This is important because your period can be irregular during the first year or so after you begin menstruating. Also, you stated that you have not been sexually active which means that you are probably not pregnant.
Missed period, called Amenorrhea is common among teenage females. Some causes of missed periods are:
- pregnancy
- strenuous exercise
- stress
- endocrine disorders
- medication
- drug use
However, since you have not had a period in over 6 months, it is important to get it checked out. Your doctor deals with these issues a lot so there is no need to be embarrassed. The doctor will examine you and will probably order some laboratory tests to make sure that everything is okay. Depending on your age and situation, your doctor may prescribe medication to bring on your period and regulate it so that you can get it every month. Talk to an adult that you trust if you need help in making a doctor's appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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