Missed-Late Period

Normal Cause of a Missed Period during the First Year

• Skipping periods is common during the first 1 to 2 years after they start. This is due to not releasing an egg each month.
• This is most likely the cause if less than 2 years since the first period
• Has missed periods in the past or has had only 1 or 2 periods
• Otherwise healthy
• No signs of pregnancy such as breast tenderness, breast swelling or nausea

Common Cause of a Missed Period after the First Year

• Pregnancy is the most common cause

Other Causes

• Stress
• Dieting, extreme exercise and weight loss
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Endocrine disorders
• Birth control products like birth control shots, implants, and some IUDs

Home Urine Pregnancy Tests

• Home urine pregnancy tests do not cost very much. They are easy to use. Most drugstores sell these tests. No prescription is needed.
• Urine pregnancy tests are very accurate. They can turn positive as early as the first week after a missed period.
• It is best to do the pregnancy test first thing in the morning. Reason: hormone levels are higher in the morning urine.
• Sometimes, a home test is negative even if you think you might be pregnant. In this case, repeat the test. Do the repeat test in 3-5 days. You can also go to a doctor's office for testing.
• A pregnancy testing fact sheet can be found at www.womenshealth.gov. Search "pregnancy tests."

Pregnancy Suspected or Possible

1. What You Should Know About Late Periods if Having Sex:
   • Menstrual periods stop when a woman becomes pregnant.
   • A woman with a missed or late period should think about pregnancy.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at any drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have trouble with the home pregnancy test
   • Pregnancy test is positive
   • Misses 2 periods and pregnancy test is negative
   • Your teen develops any serious symptoms

First Period Started Less than 1 Year Ago

1. What You Should Know About First Periods in Young Teens:
   • Skipping periods is common during the first 1 or 2 years after they start.
   • It doesn't mean anything serious or cause any harm.
   • A girl can normally go up to 6 months between the first and second periods.
   • Also, a girl can go up to 4 months between the second and third periods.
   • Normal irregular periods can go on for 2 years.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Misses 4 periods
   • New symptoms suggest pregnancy (such as morning sickness)
   • You have other questions

Recent Stress Causing Late Period

1. What You Should Know about Stress and Late Menstrual Periods:
   • Stress can disrupt normal menstrual cycles.
   • Try to help your daughter deal with the stress by talking about it.
   • Also, try to avoid or decrease stressors.
   • If this does not help, seek help from a counselor.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Misses 2 periods
   • Your daughter needs help coping with stress
   • New symptoms suggest pregnancy (such as morning sickness)
   • You have other questions