Friday, March 29, 2024

Cause Of ‘Late’ Periods’

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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

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