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Our Experts: No Periods Yet At 16
Girls develop at different stages, but when should you start to worry?
Family GP, Dr Sue Morrison, has some words of advice.
Raisingkids
member's problem
My 16 yr-old daughter hasn't started
her period yet. Is this normal?
Dr Morrison's advice
95% of girls have their first period
(menarche) between 11 and 15 years, and tend to take after their mothers
in the timing of this. Most of the remaining five percent start between
10 and 16 years. As long as secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts
(and a little pubic and underarm hair) have begun to develop by 14 years,
periods will definitely follow on and there's no need to worry.
However, anyone over 14 years who hasn't begun to develop secondary sexual
characteristics, should probably be checked out by a hormonal specialist
(endocrinologist) just to make sure there isn't a problem that may need
treatment. Glandular imbalance is usually from the thyroid gland, the
ovaries or pituitary gland in the brain, but is extremely rare.
In a very few cases, there may be an anatomical problem where the sexual
organs have not formed properly e.g. inadequately developed womb, or possibly
an unbroken hymen. Rarer still are chromosome abnormalities such as Turner's
syndrome, but this sort of condition would have been known about from
birth.
Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.
In an emergency always call 999 (UK only).
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