Storygirl Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 DD just turned 15. She had her first period a year ago, in January, when she was 14. Then nothing. She is a ballet dancer and is naturally very slim. I haven't really been worried, because I know that periods can be irregular in young girls, especially when they are very athletic. But we brought it up to the pediatrician at her well-visit last week, and the doctor is a little concerned, because a year without a period is out of the norm, even for someone whose cycle is not regular yet. She ordered iron and thyroid tests, which came back normal. When she left a message about the test results, she said she was still concerned and was referring DD to an endocrinologist, just to make sure there is not a problem. Meanwhile, DD finally got her period again this week. So two periods, a year apart. I suppose I should call the doctor back to inform her that DD has her period, to see if that changes her mind about the referral. However, the fact remains that it was 12 months between periods, so she may still want to have her checked. Anyone else have experience with this? Would you be concerned? Would you move forward with the endocrinologist or wait a couple of months to see if her cycle normalizes a bit? I haven't heard back about making an appointment, so I'm not sure how soon we will get in with the specialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) I don't know, but I'm all ears. My DD had her first at 13. Then nothing for 9 months. She has other weird symptoms, too, that I think might point to Celiac Disease. I hope your DD is fine and nothing weird is going on! Edited January 20, 2017 by Sara in AZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schadenfreude Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 My DD is a runner. She had her first 2 periods a year apart and now gets it every six months. Her pediatrician (who is also a sports doctor) said it was normal in female athletes until 17. I think ballet is an art form and a sport, so I wouldn't worry about it unless she has other issues. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 DD just turned 15. She had her first period a year ago, in January, when she was 14. Then nothing. She is a ballet dancer and is naturally very slim. I haven't really been worried, because I know that periods can be irregular in young girls, especially when they are very athletic. But we brought it up to the pediatrician at her well-visit last week, and the doctor is a little concerned, because a year without a period is out of the norm, even for someone whose cycle is not regular yet. She ordered iron and thyroid tests, which came back normal. When she left a message about the test results, she said she was still concerned and was referring DD to an endocrinologist, just to make sure there is not a problem. Meanwhile, DD finally got her period again this week. So two periods, a year apart. I suppose I should call the doctor back to inform her that DD has her period, to see if that changes her mind about the referral. However, the fact remains that it was 12 months between periods, so she may still want to have her checked. Anyone else have experience with this? Would you be concerned? Would you move forward with the endocrinologist or wait a couple of months to see if her cycle normalizes a bit? I haven't heard back about making an appointment, so I'm not sure how soon we will get in with the specialist. It's worth following through with the specialist I think. It can be quite common for dancers and gymnasts with very low body fat to not have cycles but at least if you get it checked you'll know for sure whether it's likely to cause long time health issues. Also some issues with menstruation can impact fertility and knowing early in life will help her make informed decisions. And some health conditions that impact menstrual cycles can have other associated health effects that may be able to be dealt with or prevented. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 It's worth following through with the specialist I think. It can be quite common for dancers and gymnasts with very low body fat to not have cycles but at least if you get it checked you'll know for sure whether it's likely to cause long time health issues. Also some issues with menstruation can impact fertility and knowing early in life will help her make informed decisions. And some health conditions that impact menstrual cycles can have other associated health effects that may be able to be dealt with or prevented. +1. Osteoporosis can be a concern in female athletes and you really want to make sure that's not an issue. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I would ask them to rule in or rule out PCOS. Thin, in-shape people get it too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I wouldn't worry yet. Or do anything yet. My middle dd went probably 10 or 11 months between first period and second. Then they began to come regularly (can't remember if that was immediately or a few months later). She is now more regular than I ever was. She is a ballet dancer, but not excessive hours dancing (8 per week) and normal body fat. Youngest is 14 and hasn't started but at least is obviously in puberty. She is very athletic (running and soccer) and very slim. Oldest is lucky to have finally made it through puberty without any intervention. She finally started at age 17 and is still very irregular but her endo and I don't worry about it. If she had not started on her own the doctor would have put her on estrogen to get her going and said this is important for bone strength. So eventually I would check things out, but I think you have more time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 I would be concerned, even though she is a slim ballet dancer. even though she's had a 2nd cycle - I would keep the referral. it's better to find out it really is just becasue she doesn't have enough fat on her bones than that something else is going on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandamom Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 My daughter was a competitive gymnast (level 9) and had to quit due to injury this year at almost 16 years of age. She spent about 20 hours per week in the gym. She never had her period prior to quitting. Once she started cutting back and then stopped her cycle is now considered normal. Her doc told us not to be worried until she turned 17 or quit and if it wouldn't start up. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjand6more Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 My dd14 has only had periods very infrequently. It's been since July for her. She is not athletic. We saw the Dr last year. She wasn't concerned, but she did check thyroid and vit levels. She was very low in vit D. When she started taking supplements, she got her period.(maybe a coincidence.) She is not good about remembering to take it. I will have to be better about reminding her. I was very irregular as a young girl. I started at age 9, but I could go many months in between. One year I didn't have periods at all. I can't remember when that was. I was on BC in highschool and although I was regular while on it, When I stopped taking it, I was back to being very irregular. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 A friend of mine just spent a year going through testing with her DD for this very reason. Her DD is a dancer as well, and ultimately, the doctor said that she should gain a few pounds (she prescribed a daily bowl of ice cream). She did, and her periods, while still on the light side, are considered normal now. My oldest, who started with very regular cycles at 12, started going off cycle at 13 and now goes months between periods. I asked my own GYN if I should bring her in, and he said they don't worry about irregularity until 16 unless the irregularity is making life difficult (heavy periods, short cycles, painful PMS, etc.). Until then, it's considered normal and expected. HTH! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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