Females: Your Period / Question
Published: May 14, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
This is not life threating or anything, but I would like to get some advice or comments on my situation. Starting this month, I have missed 4 months of my period. Ive taken 3 preg. test at home and 2 clinic tests...ALL NEGATIVE. I have no symptoms of pregnacy, and no other symptoms of anything. Ive heard thoughts that it may be early menopause, stds, or hormones. I used condoms every time and I'm only 17. What's up with me?
Signed: Early Menopause At 17
Dear Early Menopause At 17,
FX understands that this is a major concern for you. It is impossible for us to determine the cause of your lack of menstruation, but feel that a complete physical, history, and blood work may be necessary in order to obtain all relevant information. There are many causes for an interruption in your menstrual cycle. They include pregnancy, significant weight change, stress, certain medications, anemia (low iron in the blood), as well as hormonal changes (both normal and abnormal). During adolescence (and throughout adulthood), it is possible that the menstrual cycle does not become regular, but medical attention is necessary to determine if irregularity is the cause of this disturbance in your cycle. The onset of menopause usually occurs in the late 40's to early 50's.
If you have a physician, please make an appointment with him or her. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern NJ, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475. Outside of this area, contact either your local teen health center, Planned Parenthood.
FX is glad to hear that you have used condoms each time you have been sexually active, but often encourage readers to use condoms for STD protection along with another form of birth control (like the pill, the patch or depo provera). During your appointment, you can discuss a plan for birth control with your healthcare provider so that you can protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy in the future.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers.
