My Teen's Period Still Hasn't Become Regular - Should I Be Concerned?

Irregular periods are common in the first few years after a girl’s menstrual cycle starts. If your teen hasn’t had a regular period for more than two years, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group just to ensure everything is okay.

Our highly skilled OB/GYNs take an empathetic approach to caring for adolescents and teenagers. We offer routine exams, birth control counseling, and treatments for fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions that can develop in young females.

We offer in-office testing services to learn more about your child’s reproductive health and provide treatment plans to regulate their monthly cycle. Here, we discuss possible reasons for irregular periods in teens and when to seek medical advice to protect your child’s health.

What to know about early menstruation

The onset of menstruation in American girls typically occurs between ages 10 and 15. During this time, girls also experience multiple changes in their body, including increased body hair growth and breast development.

In the months before a girl’s period starts, they might start feeling cramps, have unusual mood swings, and experience acne breakouts. They may also notice red or brown stains in their underwear before bleeding becomes more consistent.

Often, the menstrual cycle of a young teen is irregular for the first few months due to hormone changes and the natural progression of puberty. However, irregular periods that last longer than three years can be an indication that something more is going on.

Causes of irregular periods in adolescents and teens

An irregular cycle is considered to be one where periods last longer than seven days or occur more frequently than every 21 days. A period can also be diagnosed as irregular if your teen bleeds heavily, soaking through a pad every 1-2 hours.

There are a number of potential reasons why your daughter experiences irregular periods beyond puberty – some of which require medical treatment.

Lifestyle factors that play a role in the consistency of monthly periods can include excessive exercise, poor sleep, and chronic stress. Teens can also experience irregular periods if they take certain medications such as steroids.

Medical reasons for irregular periods in teens include:

• Pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammation
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid disorder
• Hormone imbalance
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Girls who are overweight or underweight may also be at increased risk for missing periods.

Treatment options for irregular periods in teens

The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology team recommends that you schedule an appointment if your teen’s menstrual cycle isn’t consistent within two years of starting or if their periods become irregular after having a normal cycle.

Our providers can take a blood sample to identify a hormone imbalance, infection, or another underlying medical problem in your teen. We also offer pelvic exams, Pap smears, and other diagnostic tests in the office to pinpoint the cause of irregular periods.

Customized care plans are available to help regulate your child’s monthly cycle. We might prescribe antibiotics to clear an infection or recommend a low-dose birth control pill to address a hormone imbalance.

Your teen may also need to make lifestyle changes and improve their diet to support their overall wellness.  

Call The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for irregular periods or book a consultation for your teen online.