Dear Helen ,
I recently learned of a girl who started her period in her late teens. What causes ‘late’ periods – or rather, periods just starting in advanced teenaged years? – Charles Dear Charles,
The majority of young women start their periods between the age of 12 and 16 years. Some are earlier, some later, but rather than reinvent the wheel, I have taken this list from the UK’s NHS.net website for you.
“Possible causes of periods not starting include:
• a normal delay in development – this often runs in families, so if your mother or sister started her periods late, this may be why your first period is delayed
• a hormonal imbalance
• being underweight
• doing a lot of exercise – this can affect girls who do lots of athletics, gymnastics or dance
• eating disorders
• severe stress
• pregnancy – it’s possible to get pregnant before you get your first period as your ovaries can start releasing eggs a few months before your periods start
• a problem with the ovaries, womb or vagina”
It’s a comprehensive list and an introduction to possible causes that a doctor would aim to rule out whilst searching to discover the underlying cause for a particular young lady’s delayed “menarche” or onset of periods. Treatment will depend on the exact underlying cause.
I hope this helps.- Helen
