Females: Your Period / Question
Published: May 1, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hey, I am 19 and I am sexually active and I have no reason to think I am pregnant. We use protection. But I haven't started this month, and I usually have regular periods. But I started college so do you think this is stress or what.
Signed: No Period, Stress?
Dear No Period, Stress?,
Yes, stress could be causing your period to skip or be late. The menstrual cycle can be a good indicator that there are things in the body that aren't right. That's why it is important for woman to always listen to what their body is telling them. Periods can also stop if you are not eating properly or are going through a lot of changes.
TeenHealthFX is happy to hear that you are using protection. However, if you are sexually active, there is always a chance that you could be pregnant. No protection is 100% effective and you never know what could happen. It is probably a good idea for you to make an appointment to see your doctor or go to a teen health clinic. They will be able to let you know for certain if you are pregnant or not and what else could be causing this delay in your period. Seeing your doctor on a regular basis is important and also important whenever a woman is sexually active.
If you don't have a doctor and live in Northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment. Out of this area you can contact Planned Parenthood or your local teen clinic. TeenHealthFX strongly urges you to see a doctor to evaluate your missed period.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t, yet only 1 in 4 teens report having these conversations. 
