The idea of getting your first period can carry a lot of mixed feelings. On the one hand, you’ll have to deal with PMS symptoms and manage your periods for as long as you’re of reproductive age. On the other hand, it’s a sign of maturity and transitioning into adulthood.
You may be going through puberty, seeing signs of physical and sexual development, and may be anticipating your menarche. You may even feel left out when many of your friends have gotten their periods at an earlier age, and this can be tough to deal with alone.
In this blog, we’ll be going through some causes as to why some girls do not get their period even when they’re 15-16 years old. We’ll go through the treatment options for each case, and also discuss how to deal with the social pressures of not getting your periods at an older age.
What is Primary Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea refers to the absence of a menstrual period, and primary amenorrhea is a subtype in which a person hasn’t gotten their period either
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By the age of 15-16 or
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5 years after the first signs of puberty (such as developing breasts or growing pubic/armpit hair)
Causes of Primary Amenorrhea
Primary Amenorrhea is often caused by genetic conditions that affect the hormones and reproductive system, some of these being:
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Turner syndrome - in which one of a female’s X chromosomes is absent or incomplete, causing short stature and impaired functioning of the ovaries.
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Hormonal issues from problems in the brain, central nervous system or pituitary gland.
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Androgen insensitivity syndrome which causes high levels of testosterone
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Structural defects in one’s reproductive system in which certain organs like the uterus or vagina may be missing or underdeveloped, such as Mullerian defects.
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In Mullerian agenesis, there is no vaginal opening and the uterus and cervix may not be properly formed, leading to infertility.
Also read - Can a UTI delay your period?
How is Primary Amenorrhea Diagnosed?
If one has reached the age of 15-16 and hasn’t started menstruating, a doctor will ask about their family history, whether they’ve been diagnosed with any relevant conditions, and will have some tests run.
The tests will assess the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone to check for any abnormalities in hormone levels.
The doctor will also perform a physical examination to check for any structural defects and differences in the reproductive system.
Treatment for Primary Amenorrhea
The treatment options for Primary Amenorrhea depend on the specific cause. If there is a family history of a late menarche, then it’s possible that one may get their periods a little later than usual and have a healthy reproductive system, given that their ovaries are functioning.
If the amenorrhea is caused by a genetic or physical condition, regular menstrual cycles may be unlikely, and only possible through surgical or hormonal intervention, depending on the condition.
Also read - Can yeast infection delay your period?
Tips for Experiencing Primary Amenorrhea
It can be challenging to go through a condition in which your body isn’t working the way you were told it should. You may be feeling frustrated that your body’s development hasn’t caught up with your mind’s, and anxious about your future as an adult. Here are some tips we’ve gathered for living with primary amenorrhea until you’ve figured out what’s causing it:
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Research and be educated on menstruation and reproductive health. This will help you prepare in case you eventually get your periods so that you can manage them successfully.
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Talk to your family and close friends. Your family members can help provide information about late menstruation in the family and can also offer support and guidance. Your friends can be more sensitive about discussing menstruation around you and can avoid situations in which you’d feel left out.
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Keep a record of your puberty’s progress. Take note if you experience a change in the size of your breasts and hips, and if you observe new locations for hair growth. This can help your doctors follow along on the rate of your sexual development.
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Go for regular visits to your gynaecologist to figure out the root cause of your late periods. Knowing about which condition you’re going through can help you treat it and mentally prepare for dealing with it in the future.
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