should I be concerned about my daughter not menstrating?

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Clinic, Home Health, Hospice.

My daughter is 13 (14 in Sept) she has not yet started her period. She is native american so she doesn't have much body hair. Hasn't yet developed much of a bust, and really doesn't have a womanly figure yet. She's a big girl @ 5' 7" and 160#. Very active in sports and of course moody @ times. I haven't really worried much about it and don't mention it much to her. ( i don't want to worry her) Today @ work I mentioned it to my RN and she thinks I should take her to the doctor. If I take her what should we expect as far as exam? thanks so Much! --MP

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

We here at allnurses.com can't offer medical advice - it's beyond our scope of practice here and against the Terms of Service that we all agreed to upon joining.

All your concerns need to be addressed with your daughter's primary doctor during a physical exam. What exactly will be examined is doc's discretion based on both physical assessment and reported history (probably will be taken both from you and your daughter). We can't comment on any tests either, because that's based on the doc's judgement.

Wishing health and blessings to you both.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Clinic, Home Health, Hospice.

Sorry, I guess I sould have phrased that better. I didn't expect a diagnosis, I just wanted a heads up on what I should discuss with her prior to a doctors visit. Just thought someone may have something helpful.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
I just wanted a heads up on what I should discuss with her prior to a doctors visit.

You might want to prepare her for the possibility of having to disrobe for the exam.

It's also a good idea at her age to give her the choice of whether she wants you in there with her or not. Ask her ahead of time, and then ask her again when you're there. Some teens want a familiar person with them, others would rather be alone, and she may change her mind. The doc will likely want your take on the situation as her mother as well, but it's a smart mom that allows some time for her teen to be alone w/ the doc (if s/he wants) to ask/answer questions that they might not otherwise do.

I'm leaving this thread open for any other posters who want to offer support and preparation. But please - no medical advice. Thank you.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Clinic, Home Health, Hospice.

Thanks so much, that's some great advice. I think I'll start talking with her about it tomorrow, kind of ease into it. It really reassures me to have a little guidance on this.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Glad to be of some help. My best to you both.

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Both of my daughters were over 14 yo when they got their period. They were also very athletic which I had thought was the reason.

I wouldn't worry about it at this time, but if she has any other problems related to this then see a doctor.

How does she feel about this? My eldest daughter lied to her friends that she had her period because everyone else had it. My younger was thrilled at not getting it and actually cried the day she got it because she kept hearing what a pain it was.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Here is a link that discusses how to help prepare a teen for her first visit to a gynecologist:

http://att.iparenting.com/teenagers/womanhood.htm

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I was 14 . . my daughter was 14 . . .this is within normal range. No need for worries.

steph

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I was really embarassed about my period. I got it when I was 13. I don't know why it was such a big deal to me, but I didn't want ANYBODY to know. I didn't tell anyone. Once my mom even asked me if I had it yet and I just lied and got all short tempered with her. :bugeyes: I think she was catching on because some of her "products" were going missing. I finally told her, but only because I wanted her to buy some different types of products for me to use.

My point is only that maybe she just hasn't shared this with you yet? And even if she hasn't had it, it's not that unusual at 13 going on 14. But why not have a visit with the doctor anyways...couldn't hurt.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I remember when I went through this as a teenager and I hadn't started at 16 , the doc told my mom that she wouldn't worry until I was about 17 and hadn't started. I didn't ever start on my own. I had a exam and blood work. I was referred to a specialist.

That was my story. I really think it is nothing to worry about, but talking with the doc can't hurt.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

I agree with Arwen's suggestion about giving her the option of being alone with her PCP.

I'd also suggest that she go see someone she is comfortable discussing "personal" stuff with and being disrobed in front of. That may or may not be the same person she's seen for years. Some girls do better with a female pediatrician or NP than a male.

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