Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: January 28, 2010
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 16 year old female, and I am quite a bit underweight for my height which is 5"6.
I have an iron deficiency, and I also lack vitamins. I have not yet started my period, could the things above be the cause of this? Should I see a doctor?
Signed: Should I See a Doctor
Dear Should I See a Doctor,
Absolutely you should see a doctor. Amenorrhea (not getting your period at all) can have many causes, and all of them need to be worked up by a doctor to identify the cause. Since you are 16 and have not had your period, this needs to be checked out. Untreated amenorrhea can have serious consequences such as infertility, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
It is unclear from your posting whether your iron deficiency and lack of vitamins is a self diagnosis or was confirmed by a doctor through lab testing. Both of these conditions can be treated with supplements but it is important that you do this under the care of a medical professional. The big question is why you are not maintaining a healthy weight. If this is connected to your eating habits such as severely restricting your diet or purging what you have eaten, then you might be dealing with an eating disorder. Even if your eating habits are healthy, then a visit to the doctor is still in order. TeenHealthFX strongly recommends that you see a doctor right away. By delaying you could be doing further damage to your body.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health in Morristown 973-971-6475 or the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health in Summit at 908-522-5757 for an appointment. Outside this area you can check with your insurance company for a referral or check with your local hospital.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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