Hi, My daughter just turned 16 last week and still no period, should I be worried? I just made her yearly physical for next month, she is very healthy, she has been fully developed since the age of 12, so we really have been talking about it for a while and expecting it way before now. We are very close and talk about it all the time, so she is prepared for it to come. Last year her dr. wanted her to see an endocrinologist specialist, and my mother said her and a few of her sisters got theirs at the age of around 16, so give it another year, so I did, now I'm wondering should I worry. Her body in the past year and 1/2 has gone through some changes where she went from 175 lbs to about 123 lbs. she joined the track team at school, and changed her diet from pasta and pizza to a low glycemic index diet, she eats very healthy now, lots of fruits, veggies and protein, 3 meals a day and 2-3 healthy snacks, she feels really good and looks great, she exercises at least 4 times a week, we did it together and both lost about 50 lbs. So i'm not sure if her weight loss might have thrown her hormones off a bit too... just starting to be concerned and worry about her not menstruating at the age of 16.
I guess I'll know more at her drs appt, but just wondering if this is common?
C.,
My daughter didn't get hers until she was around 16 1/2. I got mine when I was 16. I also had her see a endocrinologist to make sure her thyroid was normal and it was a little off. She is now 22 with thyroid problems. I wouldn't wait to much longer....just to make sure she is fine. And congrats on losing so much weight to both of you!
She is probably fine and developing normally, and what you say about her dramatic weight loss could be affecting the no-period situation. But just to be sure, I'd take her to the MD to have her checked out.
BTW Congrats on the weight loss!
I would say go see that endocrinologist.
Hi,
I'm going to be 34 years old this September. I didn't get my period until the summer going into 12th grade. So, I was almost 17! Of course all my friend had gotten their period. I was definitely late compared to all my friends. Now, I am a completely healthy adult- I have a 2 year old and one on the way. So, I wouldn't worry about your daughter. It will come when its ready.
I was a late bloomer... I think I started bleeding at about 15, but never regularly. Turns out I have polycystic ovary syndrome. It might be worth seeing an endocrinologist. But it is still the late end of normal, and if starting late runs in your family, it's pretty likely that's all it is.
I would see and Endocrinologist to rule out PCOS
(Ploy-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)
I didn't get my period until I was 16. In the end, it is better the later that one gets her period--studies show less likely to develop breast cancer and other diseases.
There are some basic blood work that the doctor can do to check and see if her hormone levels are ok and what is going on, before going and seeing an endocrinologist.
At this point, talk to the doctor and find out what is going on. But, don't worry too much about it.
Weight loss and exercise could be the culprit. My sister started around 16 but it stopped for a few years in college. It turned out she was somewhat anorexic and/or bulimic. It might be good to make sure she's not purging or anything like that. If she's healthy in that department, then it might be genetics or the changes in exercise and diet. It never hurts to check it out with the doctor or endocrinologist.
If she is working out a lot that could delay the onset of her period. Also losing that weight I would guess could cause some hormonal changes (good for you guys getting healthy together! That is awesome :) ) I didn't get my period until I was 16. It may have been because I was a gymnast and worked out 3 hours a day/5 days a week. I was the latest in my family
If it were me, I'd probably make the appt to the the specialist since she is 16 already since it is on the older side. Just to make sure there is nothing to worry about.
~R.
My sister who was very athletic as a teenager was also a late bloomer (16). Track team and the weight loss are likely a major factor, but do check that her eating practices are indeed healthy and sufficient. (Young women with eating disorders often don't have a period ...)
Best of luck, C..
