Females: Your Period / Question
Published: November 5, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have stopped eating breakfast and lunch and I am 12 years old. I just do not seem to be hungry. My period has not started - could this be affected by the way I eat?
Signed: Stopped Eating Breakfast And Lunch
Dear Stopped Eating Breakfast And Lunch,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about you and is glad that you wrote. An unexplained loss of appetite to the point that you are only eating one meal a day is cause to see a doctor who can help diagnose the source of the problem.
At your age, eating a well balanced diet is key to providing you body with the nourishment it needs to continue to develop properly. Check out our answer on healthy eating for great tips on how to keep your own diet on track and maintain healthy habits when it comes to food.
As far as your period goes, although TeenHealthFX can not say for sure that your eating, or lack there of, is hindering your development, we can tell you two things. First, girls start to menstruate anywhere between the ages of 8 and 16 so your situation may be entirely normal. On the other hand, your body may not be producing enough estrogen as a result of not getting enough nutrients and that could hinder your sexual development. You really need to talk to a doctor to find out what is going on for sure.
If you don't feel comfortable talking to your own physician, and you live in northern New Jersey you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment. If you live outside of northern Jersey, try contacting a local teen health center.
Good luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One in four teenage girls in the 
