Females: Your Period / Question
Published: September 18, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 and I got my period when I was 12, and I normally get it on a regular cycle, but I haven't gotten it since June and it is now September. What is wrong with me? I exercise about 4 times a week and I eat a 1500-calorie diet (I am trying to lose weight). Is this healthy? I am 5?5" and about 130 lbs.
Signed: Periodless Healthy Eater
Dear Periodless Healthy Eater,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about why it is that you are trying to lose weight. You are certainly not overweight and it can be dangerous for young growing girls to put their body on restrictive diets. When you restrict your diet and try to lose weight your body will often times stop menstruating if it is not getting enough fat, protein or the nutrients it needs to do it with. Also excessive exercise will also tend to make a woman miss her period or become irregular. However, moderate exercise 4 times a week should not be the problem.
It is a good idea that you see your regular physician or a gynecologist about this. Explain to them that your periods have been regular until recently and also what you have been eating as far as your diet. They will be to diagnose what the problem is if there is any at all. You did not mention in your question whether or not you are sexually active. Pregnancy will also cause you to miss your period, so you may want to also consult your physician about you sexual activity if that is also an issue. Until then make sure that you are eating healthy and not trying to restrict you food intake in order to lose weight.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
It is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 5% of adolescents, and that between 10 - 15% of adolescents have some symptoms of depression at any one time.
