Question

My daughter is 11 years old and had her first period 8 months ago in August. She had what I would consider normal periods (5-7 days about 30 days apart) for the first 5 months, but she has not had a period in February or yet in March. Is this normal or should I be concerned? She has not had sex yet.

Susan

Answer

Dear Susan,

It is perfectly normal for your daughter to not have regular periods for the first couple of years when she starts menstruating. There are some things that may lengthen the cycle such as diet change or increase in exercise so if she just joined a sports team that may be the reason.

It is never too early to have your daughter chart her cycles and the least she should do is keep a calendar of when she gets her periods. She can also keep notes on it as to any changes in her life such as sports, diet, or tests. These are all things that can affect our cycles.

Hope that helps.

Vicki Delucchi, CFCP

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