{"id":6839,"date":"2026-04-08T21:27:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T21:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartreproductivehealth.com\/?p=6839"},"modified":"2026-04-08T21:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T21:27:52","slug":"amenorrhea-absence-delayed-start-to-periods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartreproductivehealth.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/amenorrhea-absence-delayed-start-to-periods\/","title":{"rendered":"Amenorrhea- Absence \/ Delayed Start To Periods."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Girls usually get their first menstrual period when they\u2019re 12 or 13. It\u2019s a sign that your body is maturing, so that one day, if you want to, you should be able to have a baby<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A delay in starting periods isn\u2019t usually anything to worry about. However, if you haven\u2019t started your period by around 16, it\u2019s a good idea to see your doctor to find out why it hasn\u2019t happened yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people start their periods later than others, and that\u2019s normal. But by age 15, 98% of teens<\/a> have started their periods. When this transformative milestone unfolds much later than expected, it gives rise to a condition known as delayed menarche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delayed menarche refers to the delayed onset of the first menstrual period beyond the typical age range (12-14).  This may impact psychological well-being, as girls might face emotional challenges related to differences from their peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re having delayed menarche, make an appointment to talk to your doctor. The reasons may be nothing to worry about. Or they could be a sign that you have a health condition that you need to treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would one experience a delayed onset of periods?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This delay can stem from various factors, including genetic predispositions, nutritional influences, chronic illness, stress, or intense physical activity. The causes are stipulated in detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family History<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your mom didn\u2019t get their period until they were 15 or older, chances are that being a late bloomer runs in your family. That may especially be true if your aunts, grandmothers, and cousins also started menstruating only after they were well into high school. Girls tend to get their periods 2-3 years after their breasts<\/a> start to develop and 6-12 months after they notice a mucus<\/a>-like vaginal discharge<\/a> in their underwear. All these milestones can happen later than average in some families, including yours. Still, your doctor may want to rule out other health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you weigh much less than normal, that can affect your hormone<\/a> levels and prevent you from getting your period. If your weight<\/a> is 10% less than what\u2019s healthy for your height, it can keep your hormones from working right and actually stop your periods. This is why girls who have eating disorders<\/a> like anorexia<\/a> or bulimia<\/a> may not start menstruating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re obese<\/a>, you may not have your first period<\/a> at the usual time, either. To set a monthly menstrual cycle<\/a>, your body needs a normal range of fat levels. Too much or too little body fat can lead to delayed periods. Obesity<\/a> for someone 5 feet, 2 inches tall starts at 155 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too Much Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pushing your body too hard physically also can make your first period come late. This can happen with ballet<\/a> dancers, runners, or other athletes. Intense workouts burn lots of calories and can leave very little body fat. Mix that with competitive pressure, and they can postpone your period until much later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too Much Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be hard on your body in many ways, and one possible effect is to delay your first period<\/a>. This may happen if you\u2019re stressed all the time, no matter the trigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain types of drugs<\/a> can keep you from having a period, including those used to treat cancer<\/a>, high blood pressure<\/a>, allergies<\/a>, and depression<\/a>. If you\u2019re taking any of them, your doctor may have explained that this could happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very rarely, you may not be able to have periods because of the shape or other issues with your vagina<\/a>, ovaries<\/a>, fallopian tubes<\/a>, or uterus. You might have extra tissue that covers an opening, a blockage, or physical issues. Your doctor can find out if these problems may be the reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effects of Delayed Menarche:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n