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QUESTION: My athletic teenage daughter is a leading member of her high school
track team, and we believe she has a real future
However, we are also
concerned that at the age of 15 she has still not started her periods
Mine
began at age 14, and I was taught that daughters follow their mother’s
pattern
Do you think something is wrong with my youngster, and what should
be done?

ANSWER: I think you know even more than you write, and are aware that the is
some relation between a woman’s periods and intense exercise or athletic
involvement
Yes, there may be a connection in your case, as I too was taught
that mothers and daughters share similar experiences where their menstrual
histories are concerned
However, that is not always the case, and the delay
in your daughter’s menarche (the onset of menstruation) could be normal in her
case
We do know that frequently this first happening is delayed when
youngsters of your daughter’s age are deeply involved in strenuous physical
activity
There is an association between thinness, exercise and delayed
menarche, and this may lead to lowered estrogen activity that may be of real
concern
This is a time when bone construction is still going on, and when
bone density is increasing
When there is a lack of estrogen, bone formation
is held back, with consequences of increased osteoporosis or bone thinning
later in life at the time of menopause
Your task is clear
First it entails
a thorough examination for your talented athlete by your physician, including
a pelvic examination to rule out other possible causes of her delayed menses.
A variety of x-ray examinations, to help determine bone age and growth
patterns, as well as blood tests for hormone levels are in order
Once the
diagnosis of menstrual dysfunction due to intense athletic involvement has
been made, the methods of treatment can be discussed and tailored to your
daughter’s special needs
Monthly therapy with progestins, the use of oral
contraceptives may be needed, and, just what you are fearing most, the need to
modify her athletic schedule may be necessary
However the good news is that
this situation can be helped and will have no effects on the future hopes you
may have for grandchildren.

The material contained here is “FOR INFORMATION ONLY” and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician
Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.

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