No periods, not pregnant

[Evielle]

I haven't had my period since the first week of September--that's FOUR months. I am not pregnant (I'm 18 and a virgin). I had some mild cramps followed by a little bit of spotting at the beginning of October and again a couple of days ago, but definitely not enough to be considered a period. I have no other symptoms, I feel perfectly fine.

Right around late August/ early September I also started going to the gym and doing around 4 hours of cardio per week (I had never really exercised regularly before that, and I heard sudden exercise increase can stop periods). I also started college then which changed my diet significantly-- I've generally been eating lightly less vegetables, less carbs and more protein than I do at home.

I already know I should talk to a gynecologist, but until then... what could be going on?? It's making me nervous.

[SammiRena]

This is normal! I wouldn't worry at all! People who exercise ALOT sometimes gets this, or there periods get delayed, and maybe you'll just have to wait till next month. I am a person who's always doing a sport. my period only last 3 days long, and sometimes, it's delayed. Trust me, I'm a virgin too, but they shift around alot! Look at this as a blessing, you don't have your period this month! :D But if your really worried, and maybe you think something is really unnormal, a doctor visit will confirm this!(:

[SLadylani]

Definitely exercise can effect periods, particularly if you're already at a low weight. That is why often times athletes do not get there periods, nor anorexics-not suggesting you're either. Diet can also play a role. If you dramatically changed your diet and dropped the carbs, your body may not have enough of what it needs to make the hormones that it needs-hence why anorexics do not get their periods. It could be, if you are already a slim person to begin with, your body simply just does not have enough of what it needs to make those hormones. This is not horrible, you can go a little while without your period. What I do suggest is going to your doctor and discussing this. She may refer you to an endocrinologist or gynecologist. If you do not get a period due to hormnones, there are ways to jump start a period using prescribed hormones. This could get your body back on track. You could also think about taking prescribed hormones, such as the oral contraceptive or birth control pill, which will give your body the hormones it needs to have a period. Periods in the long run are important to prevent osteoporosis and other health problems. So first see your doctor and find out what's up. Good luck and best wishes.

Sara RN

[sania19]

sometime periods get irregular and at your age it normal . dont worry.