Delayed Period at 15: Causes, Concerns & What to Do

Question
Hi,
My name is Maria from California and I am 15 years old, about to turn 16 on June 9th. I feel a little awkward talking about this, but I am getting really worried.

I have never had a period in my life. Not even 1. I am so worried that I will never get one. My friends are all younger then me about 13 and 14, and they have their periods. I am about 40 lbs overweight, and I am wondering if that had anything to do with it. I am starting to work out more and I am trying to eat better, so far I have lost about 5 lbs. I am 5'9". I have been a swimmer for about 7 years now. I consider myself an active person. I'm a virgin and will stay a virgin until i'm married.

My sister got her period when she was 13, my mom got hers when she was 13 or 14, my aunt got hers when she was 15.

I was looking at the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and I really don't have any of the symptoms except for being overweight and having oily skin.

I think I already went through puberty, because I pubic hair, and the only thing i have a sign of my period is that once in a while my underwear will be brownish in color and it smells funny.

Is there anything I can do? Please help. sorry if i rambled a little bit.

Answer
Hello Maria,

Since you have pubic hair development, it is possible that you are now in the beginning stages of going through puberty.  So it may just be a matter of time before it starts.  Puberty is made up of three major changes to your body: pubic hair development, breast development and menses (periods).  Menses is the last stage.  Since you don't mention when you developed pubic hair or if you have breast development, I can determine if there is something abnormal going on or if it is just taking longer.  Certainly, you are still fine in terms of age.  Some girls do take longer to start.  12-13 is an early age.  Your weight is not an issue.  If you absolutely want to be sure, your mother should have you see your doctor and check some hormone tests to see what is going on.  If you don't have periods by age 16, then you absolutely need to be evaluated.  The lack of normal ovarian function can be a problem and can also prevent complete development of your secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf