Menstruation: No Period by Age 15?
Q.
I'm 15, and I haven't had my period yet. Is there something wrong with me? p> --E.
A.
The average age at which periods begin in the United States is 12.8 years, but it is not that unusual to not have a period yet at age 15. We usually do not begin a workup for delayed puberty unless a girl is 17 and hasn't shown any signs of puberty (breast development, pubic and underarm hair). The vaginal opening in virgins is covered to one degree or another by a membrane called the hymen. This may make it appear as if there is no vaginal opening. Occasionally, the vagina does not form properly, and a thick wall of tissue blocks it; menstruation is still occurring, but the blood has no way to escape. A relatively simple surgical procedure is done to remove this blockage and to prevent complications such as scarring or endometriosis. Even more rarely, a young woman may not have a vagina or uterus at all (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome); additional testing and extensive counseling must be done in this case.
Most likely, though, there is no problem and you do not see a vaginal opening simply due to the hymen. Your best bet is to see a gynecologist. A quick exam is all that is needed to ensure that you do indeed have a normal vagina and uterus.
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