Never Started Menstrual Periods

It's good that you don't have painful cramps. It is likely that you will start menstruating within the next year or two.

Most teenage girls start their period before their 16th birthday. But for some it may not come until later. If you are otherwise feeling fine, most likely your body needs a little more time to grow and develop. In general, doctors usually wait until a young woman has reached 17 years of age before beginning any type of medical evaluation.

However, if you have any concerns, speak with your parents or guardian or call your doctor for advice.

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Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD Date Last Reviewed: 8/3/2006 Date Last Modified: 7/5/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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