Irregular Periods: A Teen's Guide to Menstrual Health

Menstruation is often delayed?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
I am a 17-year-old high school student.
I started my period in the sixth grade, and it was regular during middle school.
However, since I entered high school, especially after starting my second year, my menstrual cycle has become irregular.
Sometimes it’s late, and sometimes it doesn’t come at all, requiring me to take medication to induce my period.
Could it be that stress and staying up late are causing my irregular cycles? I notice that other girls in my class have regular periods.
This month, my period is almost two weeks late.
Should I go to the hospital for an examination? (But in the past, when I went for check-ups, they said everything was fine...) I hope you can provide me with some answers, as I have been worried about this for a long time.

Sincerely,
Amoi

Yamoyi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/29

Dr. Xu Junrui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Adolescent girls, aside from not having fully matured bodies and experiencing hormonal instability, often find their menstrual cycles affected by lifestyle and academic stress.
If they have already been evaluated by a gynecologist and no issues were found, it is generally recommended to follow one key principle: if menstruation has not occurred for more than three months, then seek treatment to induce menstruation, provided that pregnancy has been ruled out.

Reply Date: 2015/10/29

More Info

Dear Amoi,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your menstrual health. Irregular periods can be a source of anxiety, especially during your teenage years when your body is still adjusting to hormonal changes. It's important to understand that many factors can influence your menstrual cycle, and you're not alone in experiencing these irregularities.

Firstly, it's common for teenagers to experience irregular menstrual cycles. The body undergoes significant hormonal changes during puberty, and it can take time for your menstrual cycle to establish a regular pattern. For some, this process can take several years, and it's not unusual for cycles to be inconsistent during this time.

Regarding your specific concerns, stress and lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. High levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which may result in delayed or missed periods. Additionally, irregular sleep patterns can disrupt your body's natural rhythms, further complicating your menstrual cycle. It's worth noting that while you may see your peers having regular cycles, each person's body is different, and what is normal for one person may not be for another.

If you have been experiencing significant changes in your cycle, such as periods that are consistently late or missed, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Even if previous visits resulted in no findings, it's important to continue seeking answers, especially if your symptoms persist. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include blood tests to check hormone levels, and possibly an ultrasound to rule out any underlying conditions.

In addition to stress and sleep, other factors that can contribute to irregular periods include changes in weight (either gain or loss), excessive exercise, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. Keeping a menstrual diary can be helpful in tracking your cycle, noting any symptoms, stress levels, and lifestyle changes. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the cause of your irregular periods.

In the meantime, consider adopting healthy lifestyle habits that may help regulate your cycle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and ensuring you get adequate sleep. These practices can contribute to overall well-being and may positively impact your menstrual health.

In summary, while irregular periods can be concerning, they are often a normal part of adolescence. However, if you feel that your situation is affecting your quality of life or causing you significant distress, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health is important, and there are professionals who can help you navigate these changes.

Take care, and I wish you the best in your journey toward understanding your menstrual health.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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