should I be concerned about my daughter not menstrating?

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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

Also, if they have to go a gyno exam, ask her if she would prefer to have it done by a male or female doctor...I would almost bet she would say a female...that can be very, very traumatizing for a girl that age to have a grown male to see her private area....medically necessary or not.

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Specializes in ICU, Emergency Department.

I got mine at 13, but my little sister got hers at 14 and was super embarrrassed about it. She STILL won't discuss it with my mom and still sends me to by Tampax, haha.

That said, I know girls who were 16 and even 17 when they got their periods.. mostly thinner, more active girls. A talk with her primary care physician wouldn't be a bad idea if you're concerned.

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

Thanks everyone for all of your insight. I have had the "talk" with both of my girls (the younger is 11) and we are very open with each other. They know they can talk to me about anything without me making a big deal of it. All of your stories are reassuring as most everyone in my family started our periods @ an early age. Not having a period doesn't bother my daughter in the least. She goes often on retreats with her church youth group and I always send her with pads just in case. She has told me more than once "I don't need these, I don't care if I ever start, it's gross." You guys are right, a visit to the doc wouldn't hurt. She's probobly due for a check up anyway. Thanks again! I just love this website! So glad I found you guys, it's better than myspace!! lol:)

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You all had it made it the shade. I was at the tender age of (9) when I started my period. Talk about embarassing!!! I was on my way to the fourth grade and I was so ashamed to tell my mother. I had been having back problems over a week or two and I kept complaining to my mother. I never thought it would come to that. UGH!! I get mad at Eve sometimes when I am having a bad month. Some girls develop later than others. It is normal but it is safe to check and make sure there aren't other problems. Good luck!!

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