HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologymenstrual irregularityI am a 17-year-old female, and I got my period when I was 12, but it stopped when I was 16. Why?

I got my period when I was 12, but it stopped when I was 16. Should I be worried about it?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At December 30, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 17-year-old female with no previous medical history. I started my period when I was 12, but it stopped when I was 16. Kindly suggest some advice about what I should do.

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I do not see any reason for you to worry. The possibilities for your irregular periods can be-

Till the age of 19 to 21 years, your hormonal balance between the brain and ovaries is not mature, so till then, periods can be irregular as ovulation is not occurring on time. The most probable reason for your problem is your weight. Your expected body weight is 70 to 74 kgs. The extra fat, especially around your arm (above the elbow), breast, abdomen, waist, and thighs (central obesity), will be converted into hormones and will not allow ovulation to occur on time. You may also have excessive hair growth, hair fall, acne over the face and the back, and black pigmentation over the back of the neck, thighs, and under the breast. All you need to do is have regular exercise, aerobics of your choice with a healthy diet, and no fasting. Try to lose one to two kg per month. Once you start losing weight, your periods will be regular. If you want to have some investigations, get your thyroid hormone profile and have any of the birth control pills (packet of 21 pills), one tablet twice a day for 10 days, and throw away the 21st pill. No matter what the cause is, you will get your periods. The day your bleeding starts is day one. Get your FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) tests on the third or fourth day. They are the hormones from the brain's pituitary gland that controls egg growth and ovulation after that. Usually, both of them will be almost the same number. Your LH may be raised. Weight reduction is my only advice.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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