Females: Your Period / Question
Published: December 3, 2008
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a problem that I consider to be big. I'm 17 yrs old and I started menstruating at the age of 12. I am 5'2 and weighing 95lbs but I've been this height and weight for about 4-5 years now. My period all of a sudden stopped, I received my last period in April and went through May, June, July, August, and the middle of September without it. Then it came. My breasts nor any other part of my body is growing (32A). Am i going to grow? I went to a doctor (endroconologist?) and she said it might be something wrong with my hormones? Is this a possibility of why I have not grown in any form and the stop of my period? Im very worried, I can't gain weight at all and i do not enjoy being this skinny. (I eat healthy) Can you enlighten me please? It's messiing with my head and im extremely concerned. If I take birth control pills will they help? I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO! =[
Signed: Period Suddenly Stopped
Dear Period Suddenly Stopped,
TeenHealthFX understands your concern and recommends that you see your primary care doctor or a gynecologist to make sure everything is okay. There are many reasons as to why someone may stop getting their period, including pregnancy, extreme weight loss, malnutrition, excessive exercise, stress, and hormonal problems. You did not mention whether or not you are sexually active, but the number one reason for someone who has been getting regular periods to stop getting their periods is pregnancy. Also you did not mention if your periods have been regular up until last April or if you usually have irregular periods. For about two years after menarche (the first time you get your period), most girls have irregular periods.
As for the question of whether you will grow; most girls' growth slows down a few years after menarche. Another reason for decreased growth rate could quite simply be genetic (are your parents short or tall?). Malnutrition could also be a cause for decreased growth as could hormonal problems. You have stated that you saw an endocrinologist (a doctor who deals with hormones), but you did not mention if any tests were done and if so what the results were. Hormone imbalances may be a cause for why your periods have stopped, but in order to determine that, the doctor would have to perform some specific blood tests.
You also inquired about birth control pills and if they would help regulate your periods. Birth control pills can regulate periods, but they are not right for everyone. That said, FX recommends that you speak with a doctor to determine if birth control pills would be right for you.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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