WOMEN’S BODIES: LATE MENARCHE
I have often referred to what happens to the ‘average’ girl; however, there is a wide range of normal variation from this average. If what’s happening to you is near one or the other end of the normal range, you may worry about your progress. This is especially likely if you reach your mid-teens without having a period.
When should you start to worry? It depends. If your general health is good and you have other signs of puberty such as growth spurt, breast and genital development, there’s no need to worry until you’re 16 years of age. If you haven’t started by then you should see your doctor. If you’re not in good health, or if you or your parents have reason to believe that your puberty is not progressing normally, see your doctor earlier.
Your doctor will take a full health history and perform a physical examination, including genital and pelvic examination. If no reason for the delayed menarche is found, your family doctor will refer you to a gynaecologist for some special tests. The tests are fairly simple and include taking a blood sample for measurement of hormone levels and a swab of cells from inside your mouth for examination under the microscope (to provide information about your chromosomes). Other tests that may be suggested include examining the pelvis with ultrasound and an X-ray examination of the kidneys.
If the tests show that nothing is wrong, it may just be that you are a ‘late developer’ and need to wait a bit longer. Your gynaecologist will advise you if the tests show any condition that needs treatment.
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