QuestionOkay, I am 13 and I started my cycle a year ago. My cycle was really heavy so I went to the doctor and I started taking birth control. It was working really good and I was having a cycle every month and it got a lot better. Well I had a period September and after that I just stopped having one. I haven't had one since and it is mid January almost. I don't think that is normal. My mom said when she was younger she had a period every 5 months so it could be genetic. Could the birth control cause that to happen. Is this normal. If I start eating healthier and exercising will I get normal again? Please help I am really worried it could be cervical cancer or something is that possible?
AnswerDear Rebecca,
If your mom had irregular cycles when she was younger, it is possible that you might experience the same thing. And the effect that the BCP had in lightening your periods and regulating your cycles immediately tells me that it may be possible that the effects are related to the dosage of hormones.
However, once you start menstruating and are on BCPs, you should have an annual pap smear anyway. The general recommendation is that if you miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so a cause can be determined. I suggest that you let your doctor know about this at your next appointment. There are a variety of reasons why this could be occurring, including excessive weight gain or loss, excessive or strenuous exercise, stress, obesity, depression, thyroid disease, or simply - and most commonly - a hormonal imbalance. It would be a very, very rare situation for a cancer to cause this in one so young.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well!
Brenda
