I haven’t had a period in the last nine months

Last updated on October 20, 2020

Question:

I got my period when I was 13 years old. During the time I was in cheerleading. My period was never monthly regular, but I did get it every other month or so. Now I’m 16 and I haven’t had my period since May of last year (nine months ago). The last time I had my period I was still in cheerleading. It has almost been a year and I was wondering if there is something wrong with me? Also, I have not been sexually active, so I know I am not pregnant. Could this affect me having kids?

Answer:

Any time a woman misses her period for more than three months in a row, she should see a doctor. The concern is not so much about fertility (the ability to have children); the concern is that women who do not have periods tend to develop osteoporosis (loss of bone strength). You need to see a doctor to determine why you are not having a period. Usually, the cause is traced to a lack of proper nutrition, but there can be other reasons as well.