Great question! Irregular periods are super common during the first few years of menstruation (getting a period). Most girls during the first year of menstruation have at least 4 periods; the second year, at least 6 periods; and for the 3rd to 5th year, at least 8 periods each year. Most adult women have 9 to 12 periods a year. There are other factors that can cause girls to miss their periods such as stress, weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and much more.
If you are sexually active, it’s good idea to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. Talk to a trusted adult about purchasing an over-the-counter pregnancy test or schedule an appointment with your health care provider (HCP). If you are not sexually active, monitor your periods (or lack thereof…there are some great free apps or you can just write them down) and schedule an appointment with your health care provider (HCP). They know how to help you care for your body best. Your HCP can help determine what the cause might be behind the missed periods.
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