Females: Your Period / Question
Published: October 29, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 and I had my first period about a year and a half ago. I haven't had it since then. Also my left breast is noticeably larger than my right. What could be wrong?
Signed: No Period For Year and Half and Left Breast Bigger Than Right,
Dear No Period For Year and Half and Left Breast Bigger Than Right,,
TeenHealthFX hears that you are concerned and wants you to try to relax. Your period can be irregular during the first year or so after you begin menstruating, so you may not have cause to worry here. Missed periods, called Amenorrhea, are 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 a year, 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.
As far as your breasts go, most women have some degree of "asymmetrical" or “uneven” breasts. However, if there is a big difference in size, it will likely correct itself over time as your breasts develop. If it is a small or subtle difference than it is probably the way your breasts will stay. Keep in mind that this is very common among many women. It is rare to find two breasts that are perfectly symmetrical.
In some cases though, a woman may have a breast that is different by a cup size or more. If this is the case, than you may want to consider wearing a padded bra so that it will not be as noticeable. Breast enhancing creams are probably not a good solution, as they have not been proven to work.
You should wait until you're finished with puberty to see if the difference in size evens out. It will also give you time to get used to your breasts. If you are still unhappy in a few years, then consult your doctor to see what other options are available to you.
If you would like to meet with a doctor to talk more about any of these issues, you can call the Adolescent/young
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
