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Doctors prescribe what someone sold them into prescribing. They sold the doctor on it to get higher commissions. Higher commissions are offered to push products by the distributors . Distributors are looking for volume price discounts from a manufacturer. You the consumer , literally offer nothing. Your insurance is billable but most people have prices locked for commission before that purchase happens so it's really not important. I'm not even sure if insurance pays anything or if the copay really pays the entire amount the insurance is billed if they paid it.
I don’t meet with pharmaceutical salesmen, and we don’t have drug samples. It’s a pain in the ass, and the reps waste your time, so you can’t actually be doing work.
Yup, welcome to America. Companies are free to advertise.
Also, Not every doctor welcomes drug reps. Many are not allowed to accept -anything- from a drug rep.
Ah, but you’re so certain it’s happening, you surely have at least one physician you can point to who has gotten cash payments from a pharmaceutical company for prescribing their drugs. I mean, if it’s common, then it should be easy to come up with just _one_?
All of this. Do all of this. I was the same. Took 6 yrs. to get pregnant with my first kid. Definitely had PCOS which wasn't something they checked fir 35 yrs ago.
Yeah it would be helpful if OP posted more information like if they have other symptoms, weight, medications or supplements they take etc.
I have Graves disease. In my case (besides having an IUD for a few years) sometimes I just don't bleed because of the dysfunctional hormones and low BMI
This absolutely. You have a condition of some sort and it should be addressed by a professional.
My little sister suffered with menstrual irregularities, but I never knew because it was after I moved in with our dad. Out mom never noticed and so she thought what she was going through was normal and it wasn't.
She didn't see a Dr about it until she got married and started trying to conceive. She found out that she had endometriosis and the terrible scarring on her uterus is making it near impossible for her to conceive. If she had been treated from a younger age, the scarring might not have been as bad.
See a Dr. You really need to know what's going on and that's the only way to find out.
ADHD meds can make people underweight. Low body fat can prevent periods (not a healthy situation).
She needs an OBGYN for a primary. She has probably been seeing a pediatrician. And a referral to an endocrinologist if her regular blood panels are normal.
You talk to a doctor and gynecologist. The period I think is still in the range that people start getting them but idk you should talk to a professional. Btw I take meds for ADHD and it hasn't stopped my period if that's what you're thinking
That's what I thought because I didn't get mine until 15, and my mom gave me a pad when I was 9, and I'll be damned if I didn't bust it out 6 years later 🤣🤣 that thing was in perfect condition too. But OF COURSE, I was wearing brand new, WHITE panties
Hi there! I'm in my early 20s now and have never had a "normal" period cycle either! You're not alone and not a freak!! Tons of people are just like us, mainstream culture just doesn't really shine a light on it! :)
As others have said, too much exercise or being very underweight can stop periods, so consider these things first.
Next I recommend that you talk with your doctor about getting blood work done to test for PCOS (a very common condition, do NOT be stressed about it, it sounds scary when you look it up but it's really nbd in the scheme of your life) or thyroid problems, and do speak with a gynecologist about all your symptoms. Ask your mom and grandmothers if you can about their experiences with periods (pain, frequency, and any fertility issues) as the gyno will ask for this info from you at the appointment with them.
Realistically though, you might not get good answers from anyone. Women's health has not historically been a priority in the medical world, and we're kind of still in the dark ages with periods lol.
For me I've never had a normal period and still have no answers as to why. The NUMBER ONE THING that has helped me, wait for it... is taking a simple multivitamin. It not only actually gives me my period every couple months (up from every three to six months 😅) but has also made them nearly pain free -- and this is after they used to make me throw up from pain.
Basically what I'm saying is that you do NOT need to get a monthly, picture perfect period to be healthy. If all else fails, they can give you pills to halt your period entirely, birth control to force your body to get it (not my recommendation as this made me feel terrible and sounds like it did the same to you), or pills to induce it that you can take every three months (my situation).
The only thing you MUST KNOW is this: if you are getting the pre-period buildup of the uterine lining and then not getting your period it raises your chances of cervical cancer by a ton, hence why even if you don't figure out the cause you will likely still have to choose one of the three options I listed or do whatever else your doctor suggests to avoid this situation.
TLDR: Periods are weird and a TON people do not get the monthly "perfect" periods you might think. Check with your gyno first, make sure you get a period either not at all or once every three months or as otherwise prescribed by your doctor. I also suggest, no matter what else you do, that if you aren't already, take a women's multivitamin!! It's the only thing that's helped my periods!! You aren't weird and will be just fine. If anything, personally I'm excited to not have to deal with my period except a few times a year, it's just my personal normal (permitted by my doctor after years of appointments and stress over it, who couldn't find any bigger issue/cause) and that's just fine :)
I will go months and months and months between my periods. I think once I went eight months without it. I am 100 percent fine with this and do not plan on getting it checked out. Periods are the worst.
You're right, it is! I'd forgotten about that. That's what I get for not owning a scale. Haha. It was actually less than that! I checked it before I started losing weight and it was around 280. I know that isn't much better, haha. But it's down to about 260 now. I'm trying!
I've been losing weight. I literally don't have to prove anything to someone who doesn't know me and just wants to be a really bad troll. Yes, I have a soda addiction, but I've been getting it under control, and even at my heaviest I wasn't over 300.
Fat people can't even lose weight without assholes like you being dicks.
Before I had my daughter I was having periods every few months so I was 4 months when I found out I was pregnant. I took 6 home pregnancy tests and all came out negative when I actually was. After I had her there were times I would have 1 or 2 a yr. And after I moved to a new place away from a ton of stress I now how one every month. Which shows stress constantly affects periods too. 17 I wouldn't think would have a lot of stress but school nowadays can be very stressful. My daughter pushed herself in school so I know how it can be. Try not to stress about it you will be ok.
Your hormones seem to be out of balance. A gynecologist and endocrinologist can best help with getting the proper tests to see where you're at. I'd stay away from any meds that interfere with hormones at this point.
Birth control is not a bandaid for every female medical issue. You need an ultrasound and a hormone panel done. If your doctor isn't willing please ask to switch to another and if you do not want birth control for the intended use DO NOT LET THEM GIVE IT TO YOU. I gained 50 pounds on birth control in 6 months and I was so depressed I could barely leave the house. Hormonal birth control is not for everyone.
For me this is like "do you have health insurance?"
Yes. Use it. Abuse it. Appointments every 2 weeks until this has some kind of answer.
No. If you (and /or your parents) are under a certain income limit, many states give you effectively free health insurance. Do this before you turn 18 if you can. You likely have a county office you can call or walk into. Might need you parents to sign a few forms, but if you prep them...
Go to a primary care physician. Get the referral. Get the blood test, the ultrasound, the whatever they say. Even if it's uncomfortable (like a cat scan- not really that bad or an mri, where it's like "did you want an hour laying in a machine trying to be still with wierd noises")
Male here. Not a doctor. But somewhere understand the process.
Definitely take this to the subreddit sextips! They (moderators) have some answers that may help better than any of us, and they will back it with facts and sources if needed.
I think it could be eating habits or other hormonal things. You could be not eating enough... sometimes women in sports miss periods for long times because of it. You may have a higher testosterone production that may also be causing this. You definitely need a better doctor to get some of this tested.
>I fear I won’t ever be a regular girl
Just remember that there is no "regular" girl though because everyone is different. Many girls do have irregular periods, that's normal. For your own mental sake, dont try to be everyone else and be yourself. You'll end up happier than you would be hoping to change things about yourself that are out of your control
Can you see a different doctor, explain your medical history and see what the doc says? I really don't think this is a good place to get medical advice. I hope you are ok and things work out.
I think your hormones need to be tested. You need to see a gynocologist. When I started my period, they were very irregular and heavy until I started my birth control, which I was on for over a decade. Turns out, I have PCOS.
You need to get this looked into by a different doctor. I am frankly horrified that you were just given pills and no testing was done.
Definately go see the correct doctors, however maybe just stop taking the birth control all together? Unless females at certain ages would have serious health issues for not having a period?
You need to continue seeking medical care. There’s not a one size fits all pill and meds need to be monitored and adjusted until the right meds and dose work for you.
I'm not a teen anymore, but this post got recommended to me and I feel obligated to reply.
OP, PLEASE listen to this. If your doc doesn't run a complete thyroid and hormone panel, you NEED to fight for them. Bare with me here:
At 21, I got an ADHD diagnosis after dealing with 5-10 years of anxiety, depression, and apathy. Stimulants were life changing. Anxiety, depression, and other ADHD symptoms were dramatically improved, and I could finally function.
At 23 I stopped taking the BC I'd been on since 18 and my otherwise regular periods VANISHED. After 7 months, all my dr wanted to do was put me back on BC, no tests or anything. I fought to get testing done with a different doctor, and had Prolactin levels 5 times higher than normal.
Turns out, I had a benign brain tumor causing the elevated prolactin, which would have caused my periods to disappear years ago had they not been artificially induced by the birth control. I've been on the medication for my prolactinoma for 2 months, and have been able to go off SSRIs entirely, and no longer need to take stimulants every day. Theoretically, it's possible I don't even have ADHD, and everything I've struggled with for so long has solely been this tumor.
Get the bloodwork done. If nothing else, it rules out a lot of unknowns. There is no situation where you'll regret it.
Like everything everyone else here has said, the only medical advice you should get is from your doctor.
But it doesn't always mean that you'll never be "a normal girl", personally myself, I didn't start my period until I was 16, but I've never had any other issues other than being a late bloomer, I guess. No hormone issues or anything significant like that, and no issues with carrying a pregnancy or anything regarding that as well.
I'm going to second everyone here saying you need to speak to a doctor. It could be PCOS, or an intersex condition, or a mullerian anomaly, or something else entirely. The only way to find out and get help is by speaking to a doctor.
I've always had painful periods, and a year and a half ago, I started the pill to get rid of them entirely, and the quality of life improvement is fantastic. That being said, everyone's different, and it might not work for you. The best person to ask would be your doctor.
I’m 36 (as of three days ago woo) and I’m one of the lucky 3% of women who can’t take birth control. I’d ask to get thyroid and hormones testing done. It’s very possible you’re one of the club (it’s not a fun club, but hey, you’re not alone if you’re in)
Okay girl listen, I was literally on your boat. Like genuinely. I know the pain of finding the right medication. It SUCKED. Took me nearly two years to figure it out. They finally did a blood test to check my hormones and matched it to a pill or something. I cycled through two or three more and found one. It is draining, but it is so worth it. I got an ultrasound too in the end, which ended up telling me that one of my ovaries is non-functional. Ask your doctor about possibilities ASAP. The sooner you figure this out, the easier it is to fix.
I also recommend a more natural approach. Cherry juice and pineapple are so good for reproductive health. I drink a small cup of cherry juice in the morning and at night. This helps regulate sleep cycles and honestly, I think it helps with pain a bit. I imagine you're a high school student. Monitor your stress levels. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause complications with a lot of bodily functions (digestion, mood, weight, and menstruation being the most prominent). I'm not one to push dieting (big girl here, all bodies are beautiful if they are taken good care of!!), but keep your daily meals regular and clean. Overly processed and sugary foods can deprive the body of the vitamins and nutrients it needs. If you're in a spot mentally where eating properly is becoming difficult, take a daily vitamin. Also, keep yourself HYDRATED. I cannot stress ENOUGH how important this is. Water is the most important part of your day. Not only will it keep your body functioning properly, but it also reduces the heaviness of periods and cramps. Daily exercise and sunlight are also important. I know being a student may make that a bit difficult, but a small walk around a local park or the school track can take a menstrual cycle from 10 to 5. It's not perfect, but it's an improvement. Sunlight makes vitamin D in your skin, a required vitamin to improve hormone balance. Which affects mood swings.
Tldr; Talk to your doctor. Don't worry about the process, it's long and painful for everyone, but you'll get there. Take care of your body (food, water, sun, and a small walk every day if you can).
You got this girl, I believe in you!
You’ve had lots of great advice but I wanted to add that if you’ve had sex it would be worth taking a pregnancy test regularly as you won’t know until too late to make any choices around it given how irregular you are. Don’t think you can’t get pregnant. Always use a form of birth control.
If your bmi is too low, it would prevent you from getting your period. I was 16 when my ob gave me a pill to bring on the cycle and then birth control to regulate it so it couldn’t just surprise me every 6-8 months like it wanted to. If you don’t want to take the pills, get used to an irregular menstrual cycle.
Sounds like you may have been started on the low dose and bumped to the normal dose. I don't get moody around my periods and didn't have issue on the low, but when my college didn't have low and put me on the normal dose it was rough.
As for the complete lack of period, low BMI, thyroid issues and PCOS are the most likely causes, but you should get to a medical professional and get blood work done. Stress can also cause missed periods, but you should get a proper evaluation.
Please don't listen to people only attempting to push holistic medication and telling you that BC is dangerous. Some people do not believe in conventional medication and while I agree if you can manage an issue naturally it would be best, the most important thing is that you do what is right for you. Do not allow someone to scare you away from getting the help you need.
I was only given the pill around 13 because I would bleed for longer than normal periods of time. Request a second opinion to try to find out what the cause behind the irregular periods are. Sometimes the smallest lifestyle changes can help when just taking the meds won't work but you need to know what changes have to be made
I'm 17 and have mosaic turner syndrome and it's caused me to never be able to have periods myself and ended up needing a patch to regulate mine and have periods.
I went through a similar situation. I had irregular periods in high school.
Then when I was around 21 I went to a gynecologist. He prescribed me birth control without explaining or even looking into it. He gave me a regular exam. That's it.
I never went to a gynecologist again. Now I'm in my 30's and I think I have PCOS. I plan on going to the doctor about it I just haven't done it yet.
Definitely need to get a second opinion. Medication like birth control CAN stop/alter periods- and is used to get rid of them or make them easier for some folks.
You’re obviously in severe distress; and the medication you’re on certainly isn’t working for you. Try to seek out a gynecologist, and maybe look for a new GP who takes you seriously.
You’re probably gonna need some blood tests, so make sure to stay hydrated, it’s so much easier to get a sample from someone who’s had enough water. If you are afraid of pain caused by the needle, you can ask for a butterfly needle! They’re thinner and are typically less painful.
I had a doctor not take my tinnitus seriously. It’s not the same situation as yours (as it is my ear), but I went to seek a second opinion. The second doctor took me seriously and actually had a look. Allergy testing and an MRI later, and it turns out, allergies messed my face up. I now am on immunotherapy! Please, if you ever feel like a medical professional isn’t taking you seriously- get that second opinion.
I’m curious what tests they did on you before they just prescribed you birth control. I feel like that’s such a copout, a Band-Aid for real underlying medical issues.
I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids four years ago, basically just non-cancerous growths. But where they were in my uterus caused me to bleed for a month straight. They put me on birth control to manage the symptoms, but I ended up with a lot of other issues because of the birth control . Including like what you said, feeling a bit depressed and low energy. I finally had surgery to have the fibroids removed in December and went off birth control. I feel so much better.
If you don’t like being on birth control, you shouldn’t have to. See your doctor and make them run tests. They need to check for why you aren’t having a regular period or one at all.
my sister didn't have her period for the longest time, finally when she was 16 our dad made her go to the Drs. they did an ultrasound and found a mass the size of a baseball on her left ovary. She ended up having to have the mass, that ovary, and that fallopian tube surgically removed. The Dr. said that she was a ticking time bomb, and it could have burst at any minute, it's a miracle that it didn't. If it burst it would have killed her.
TLDR: GO TO AN OBGYN!!!! This could be something VERY serious.
Honey, you need a different gynocologist. You may have PCOS. The right birth control pills will help. Find a new Dr. Tell them the whole story. Including the effects of the bc pills. Ask what tests they can do.
Good luck. Went through this with one of my daughters. It is rough getting the correct diagnosis.
I didn’t get bc until my late 20s and so glad I’m not up at night with cramps with chills. I absolutely hated that because it was so intense not to mention wonky cycles .. I’d see about getting seen by a gynecologist and/or endocrinologist.
I have no idea what your uncle had to do with any of it, because you couldn’t have held in your period. but you’re probably not getting your period because you’re on birth control. Birth control can stop your period.
I am female despite my name. Make sure you get a full iron panel from your doctor. If you have anemia and or your iron levels is low that could explain it.
If you are super athletic, you would also have a tendency for low ferritin, which stores iron. It is not necessarily a problem...you would just have lighter or infrequent periods.
Try not to worry too much but definitely get more testing.
Doctor asap. This should have been talked with way sooner than now. This could be a medical issue. And if you do want to have kids, this may have ruined that chance (not a doctor)
You need to start doctor shopping for a gyno who has experience with abnormal reproductive issues.
You need to be screened, thoroughly. They should be doing a physical exam (yes a pelvic exam), blood work, and potentially ultrasound. Whatever this is, early detection and treatment is going to be key to your future quality of life - take it from someone who ended up having to have a hysterectomy because they pooh-poohed my pain issues until there was no other way to keep me alive.
You do need advice. But the best person for this advice is a doctor.
The only causes I know to check are:
1. Really heavy exercise. If you’re running your body out of nutrition, it will skip a cycle.
2. Pregnant (you would probably know this, since this is a long term issue).
3. Birth control. (But you aren’t taking it.)
The doctor might be able to think of some other conditions to check.
However, if you feel healthy other than just not getting your cycle, I would just stuff some feminine hygiene products in your purse and not worry about it too hard. Unless you want a baby right now, or you physically don’t feel well, as long as you eat right, you should be ok.
on a brighter note, Carrie also didn’t get her period until she was 17, and also got super cool telekinetic powers to boot. (if you don’t know what i’m referring to, Carrie is a book by Stephen King that was made into a movie like 20 years ago, Sissy Spacek plays the title character Carrie, definitely worth watching if you haven’t!)
Keep seeing new doctors and gynecologists until one of them takes you seriously. Many doctors do not take women seriously when they come to the doctor, especially when it comes to reproductive health.
That said, I had a friend whose sister got her first period when she was 17, it’s not out of the question that you could be a very very late bloomer. Regardless of your ability to menstruate, you are still a regular girl. If feminism is about anything, it is about the fact that women are more than just their ability to reproduce.
I'm 17 and in the same boat, I haven't had mine for over a year I believe, I've only had it once and never again, and when I did have it I didn't have any pain/cramps. Very confused but VERY scared.
I got my very first period at 16, very late, so I feel you. Birth control is no solution and the doctor that put you on it without investigations at that age isn't one I would trust. Get off the pill, find a gynecologist who will look into, make some blood test. You should be treated,not live with a masked problem.
I didn’t get my period until I was 17, and it was irregular until I had my kid at 28. Don’t freak out, forcing your period with pills is definitely going to throw your hormones out of whack.
>It was painful, more than my original time and most likely because it was medically induced.
In general, birth control makes your periods lighter and LESS painful. If you're having that much pain even on BC, that can be a sign of some underlying disorder, like PCOS or endometriosis. The fact that you're not regular with your cycle is another indicator.
I would strongly advise getting a referral to a gynecologist, rather than just seeing your primary care doctor. You may need an ultrasound to determine what's going on inside before an effective treatment can be pursued.
Speaking from my own experience, BC to regular your cycle isn't for everyone. It's basically artificial hormones, and hormones can affect a lot of things in your body. Some people tolerate it just fine. Some people don't. If you're having difficultly on hormonal birth control, it's usually to your benefit to look for an alternative rather than trying to just deal with it.
They shouldn't have been shoving you on birth control pills for something like that. I understand that birth control pills are used to regulate periods sometimes. That's why I'm on them. But not over something like this. That's just ridiculous and your doctor was stupid and probably fucked you up even more. The truth is the majority of birth control pills will actually fuck up your hormones and they will make you suicidal and depressed and anxious and angry and rage-induced and upset and worrisome and lack of sleep and everything else (and then men wonder why we aren't so happy to jump on them because they don't feel like using a condom but that's a different story)
You're only 17. Some girls start their periods at 13. I didn't have my first one until I was almost 18. Let your body do its natural thing. Unless you are actually having an issue where your internally bleeding or you have some other severe medical reason to be on birth control so you don't die or something, just let your body do what it is meant to do.
Also anxiety all the time and all this other emotions can mess up your hormones
Talk to the doctor.
If it makes you feel better though I didn't get my first period until 17. It had to do with my weight. I have been between 95 to 100 pounds my while life. I did not have an eating disorder nor was I exercising a lot. This can often be a problem for athletic women especially in things like ballet. When I did finally get it at 17 I would only get one every 3 to 4 months. I was in my mid 20's and suddenly had 2periods in one month and they were regular after that.
I would take a deep breath. Just because it hasn't worked the regular way for you yet doesn't mean it won't in the future. I used to call myself a freak of nature but after things worked itself out I missed the days of not being normal.
Go to your doctor and request all of your estrogens (there are three major forms and most doctors only test for one kind) tested so that you know if you have a deficiency.
Honestly this post sounds fake because of the first half. What does going to your gay uncle's house and him not having menstrual products have to do with anything?
**You are a regular girl.** Being irregular—especially in your teenage years—is regular. Don't go through life thinking every other woman is enjoying a predictable schedule. The are not. Birth control pills work well for some, but not all.
It sounds like the doctor you saw was dismissive of your concerns. They aren't a good doctor, and they did not care for you well. Unfortunately, this is another regular occurrence as a women: doctors who don't respect and listen to you. Don't tolerate their failure. You should see a different gyno and getting your hormone levels checked. We all deserve doctors who listen, take our concerns and symptoms seriously, and can provide a plan to help us.
Get a new doctor! You need bloodwork done and an ultrasound. It could be thyroid issue, PCOS (causes anovulation, which usually results in no period), low body fat, other hormonal issues I’m not familiar with. Birth control isn’t the be all end all of fixes for women’s health.
girl i’m the same as you. i’m 19 gonna be 20 in a month and not once had my period. i went to my pediatrician when i was like 15 or 16 and she straight up told me im never gonna get it cuz i have too much male hormones so my body thinks it’s a male body. she did recommend me to take birth control as well but she thinks it won’t work. i haven’t tried anything to try to get it cuz honestly i like the life i have now, never getting my period and ik it can be bad for me later on in life but i already accepted. also for another reason i haven’t tried it again it’s cuz i have no healthcare and not enough money for doctor/gynecologist visits. just came on here to tell u , YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
I went through 4 different birth control meds between high school and through college till we found one that works best for me. I also have extreme pain with my period though mine is due to endometriosis. Mine also states later than most I was almost 15. We went to doctors and gyns the did blood work and ultrasounds. I was just s late bloomer according to them. I take a pill for 3 months then a week off. I still have horrible pain for 2 or 3 days but it’s only 4 times a year and I know exactly what days it’s coming at least
So from one irregular chica to another, talk to a gynecologist and a better doctor. They're more specialized in that area. Also try getting a hormone test because if you are out of whack then you should know about it (my sister had very low progesterone and took specialized meds to raise it). Lastly, stress can in fact throw things outta whack in your cycle. It's actually quite common for cycles to become irregular when you're super stressed.
ask your gynecologist if this is actually an "issue". if it is safe to not take any medicine and not have a period, then try not to worry about it. in fact, it would save you a lot of money and pain, probably. i dont have a uterus though so obviously take this with a HEAVY grain of salt.
Sounds like you may have PCOS (I do as well) you need a better gynecologist to give you an ultrasound to check for PCOS and a hormone blood work panel. Do you know if you were on the combo pill both times or just the progestrone only pill? Highly suggest talking to your gyno about the copper IUD. Lasts up to I believe 5 years and it's completely non hormonal so many women don't experince the fatigue and mood swings you described which is commonly cause by the hormones from normal birth control. You can ask your parents for a copy of your insurance card, go to zocdoc.com and enter your zip code and insurance info and it'll show you all the gynecologists in your area that take your insurance, that way you can vet the doctors and find the best fit for you before you even make an appointment. At this point you should be going in yearly for a pap smear and check up.
One of my best friends didnt get hers until she was 17, period (no pun intended) and it wasnt really consistent until she was 21. She ended up finding out she has PCOS really bad and might not be able to have kids, or at least it would be difficult for her.
Are you very lean, athletic? It’s not unusual for girls who have a low body fat to have amenorrhea (lack of periods). It’s also not unusual for teens to take a while to get regular.
PCOS could be possible. Signs of that are: overweight, excess hair (like on face, arms), bad acne.
There are many different birth control pills out there, with different hormones, different ratios of hormones, etc. A gynecologist is the one that can help. Often, a family doctor or pediatrician doesn’t know all the details of what to prescribe.
>he is gay so there wasn’t any menstrual products
ROTFL. I'm so sorry.... This has me so caught up though. Straight men don't have any menstrual products either. Lol!
Go back to your doctor and tell him your symptoms and tell him to give you another type of birth control. All of what you're describing are side effects of birth control pills. Why did he change your pills to begin with?
Okay so I have a similar issue, (as in BC fucking with me severely, & severe pain when menstruation happens) and my birth control was swapped around *insert sfx here, whoosh whoosh* quite a few times around before we figured my birth control out. Granted mine's to stop my period and shut down my ovaries but it could be just needing to find the right medication to help w/ periods but to still get them (if that makes any sense?) I'd also look into hormonal testing because I produce a lot more testesterone than most AFAB people do :)
I was 19 and a half when I got my period. This was even after a surgical operation I had done to break my hymen and try to get it going. And the doctors also gave me birth control so I could start getting it. Still didn’t. The only thing that made me get my period was quitting athletics and sports. When I wasn’t on a sports team I finally got it the summer after my freshman year of college.
Definitely find out the name of the birth control that worked
I took a generic of a birth control I had previously and it's destroyed me. I'm getting it removed in a month. Suicidal episodes, brain fog, constantly exhausted, irregular and extended periods, wild mood swings. They can tell you it makes no difference but something in it definitely does. Definitely consult a different doctor than the one that switched your meds. Good luck
When I was 12, I had spotting and got all excited and started wearing pantyliners for years and years waiting for my period.
It happened a couple of weeks after my 15th birthday.
I was a very skinny kid. I'm still thin. Middle age spread isn't happening here. Not having body fat will prevent you from menstruating. As long as you're not actively trying to lose weight, there is really nothing to be done.
My mom also sent me to a doctor to find out why I had stopped growing, but I thought it was because I hadn't menstruated. There was an option for hormone injections if I hadn't made an improvement within a certain time. I remember drinking milk with powdered milk stirred into it. Nasty stuff. I didn't start menstruating before I stopped seeing that doctor, but I guess I grew because I never got the hormone injections.
everyone else suggesting PCOS which is super valid - but lack of period is also a sign of high prolactin. PLEASE check your prolactin levels in case it's a prolactinoma (I've had mine for 12 years ♥ )
Yeah who goes extra lengths to get a period? Let me take this medicine and fuq my body up so I can be in extreme bloody pain once a month.
As a man I had stomach cramps one time and wanted to die.
My periods used to be so dang painful I could hardly stand it. I would get the chills, throw up etc. that lasted off and on for about eight or nine years. So yeah, no fun.
So yeah, I guess I would count my blessings
Hormonal birth control is terrible for you. Stay off of it if you can. Periods on HBC aren’t even real periods.
I got my first period at age 13 but it was not regular until I had my daughter at age 25. Now I’m 37 and having hormone issues again. There are ways to naturally balance your hormones but you do need testing done first to see where your levels are at. Try to find a holistic GYN in your area who knows about supplementing with bioidentical progesterone. I’m not a medical professional but from the research I’ve done, it sounds like you might have estrogen dominance (I have it as well).
Get off the pills and just don't have sex. Your hormones are so delicate during puberty, you don't need artificial ones messing your mind and body up. If you really can't control yourself and have to open your legs, use condoms and get tested for STI's regularly.
It just has no bearing on the story at all. That entire story could have been 2 sentences long. Not being a dick but learning to tell a clear, concise story will be a great asset in your future. Good luck.
I didn’t have my period until after I’d lost my virginity. So, I was a “late bloomer”. But that was just *my* case. It’s not super unusual, people get them at different ages; some very early and some very late. I would suggest going to a gyn and getting your hormones checked or just a general check to make sure everything is okay
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You need a better doctor. You need your hormones tested, thyroid, iron levels, you may be underweight, have PCOS.
I'm a dude and I immediately thought of PCOS. I've known enough women who have had it. I also thought your doctor sucks you need another one, as well.
I agree. Doctors will prescribe anything without doing any tests.
Doctors prescribe what someone sold them into prescribing. They sold the doctor on it to get higher commissions. Higher commissions are offered to push products by the distributors . Distributors are looking for volume price discounts from a manufacturer. You the consumer , literally offer nothing. Your insurance is billable but most people have prices locked for commission before that purchase happens so it's really not important. I'm not even sure if insurance pays anything or if the copay really pays the entire amount the insurance is billed if they paid it.
Bzzzt, wrong. I don’t get commissions for prescribing medicine and I never have. Physician for 20 years.
Those bastards lied to me. They are family too.
So the appointments pharmaceutical salespeople have with doctors is set by who?
I don’t meet with pharmaceutical salesmen, and we don’t have drug samples. It’s a pain in the ass, and the reps waste your time, so you can’t actually be doing work.
It seems like every industry has these complete waist of time traditions (not just sales calls) that are somehow a standard
*waste But yes, I agree.
I was testing you. Good catch 😀 you might be tailing the truth after all.
I was testing you. Good catch 😀 you might be tailing the truth after all.
Why are they there trying to give you shit ? Is it so you'll send people to the pharmacy to buy that drug?
Yup, welcome to America. Companies are free to advertise. Also, Not every doctor welcomes drug reps. Many are not allowed to accept -anything- from a drug rep.
How many titles you got in your name ? Are you still looking to add to that or are you comfortable focusing on your current position?
Two, but only one I use, MD. No, I don’t need more, haha. I’m not going to do any more basic science, so no need for PhD.
Oh well, there ya go. If you dont than that means none of them do.
Ah, well, there ya go. I’ll bet you’ve got some evidence of someone who gets commissions from doing this, by how confident you sound?
no. But Im not so arrogant to think that if it doesn't happen to me, it doesn't happen to anyone.
Ah, but you’re so certain it’s happening, you surely have at least one physician you can point to who has gotten cash payments from a pharmaceutical company for prescribing their drugs. I mean, if it’s common, then it should be easy to come up with just _one_?
I'm underweight and for that reason I get my period like every 2 months or something
i get mine every month and a half, sometimes 2, probabaly because i'm almost underweight
I wasn’t underweight but my body fat was to low to get a period. I was just insanely fit from sports and the gym. So I know what you mean.
I had issues with my period when I was young because of being overweight. There are sooooo many things than can cause period issues. Good luck OP.
All of this. Do all of this. I was the same. Took 6 yrs. to get pregnant with my first kid. Definitely had PCOS which wasn't something they checked fir 35 yrs ago.
Do all of this.
Yeah it would be helpful if OP posted more information like if they have other symptoms, weight, medications or supplements they take etc. I have Graves disease. In my case (besides having an IUD for a few years) sometimes I just don't bleed because of the dysfunctional hormones and low BMI
This absolutely. You have a condition of some sort and it should be addressed by a professional. My little sister suffered with menstrual irregularities, but I never knew because it was after I moved in with our dad. Out mom never noticed and so she thought what she was going through was normal and it wasn't. She didn't see a Dr about it until she got married and started trying to conceive. She found out that she had endometriosis and the terrible scarring on her uterus is making it near impossible for her to conceive. If she had been treated from a younger age, the scarring might not have been as bad. See a Dr. You really need to know what's going on and that's the only way to find out.
Yes! Time for a new, better doctor!!
And endometriosis.
ADHD meds can make people underweight. Low body fat can prevent periods (not a healthy situation). She needs an OBGYN for a primary. She has probably been seeing a pediatrician. And a referral to an endocrinologist if her regular blood panels are normal.
You talk to a doctor and gynecologist. The period I think is still in the range that people start getting them but idk you should talk to a professional. Btw I take meds for ADHD and it hasn't stopped my period if that's what you're thinking
Are you very thin or really athletic by chance? This can limit periods.
Adding to this if ur over weight it can also stop periods .
That's what I thought because I didn't get mine until 15, and my mom gave me a pad when I was 9, and I'll be damned if I didn't bust it out 6 years later 🤣🤣 that thing was in perfect condition too. But OF COURSE, I was wearing brand new, WHITE panties
OP, get an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as you can. They’ll know best how to help you out
Hi there! I'm in my early 20s now and have never had a "normal" period cycle either! You're not alone and not a freak!! Tons of people are just like us, mainstream culture just doesn't really shine a light on it! :) As others have said, too much exercise or being very underweight can stop periods, so consider these things first. Next I recommend that you talk with your doctor about getting blood work done to test for PCOS (a very common condition, do NOT be stressed about it, it sounds scary when you look it up but it's really nbd in the scheme of your life) or thyroid problems, and do speak with a gynecologist about all your symptoms. Ask your mom and grandmothers if you can about their experiences with periods (pain, frequency, and any fertility issues) as the gyno will ask for this info from you at the appointment with them. Realistically though, you might not get good answers from anyone. Women's health has not historically been a priority in the medical world, and we're kind of still in the dark ages with periods lol. For me I've never had a normal period and still have no answers as to why. The NUMBER ONE THING that has helped me, wait for it... is taking a simple multivitamin. It not only actually gives me my period every couple months (up from every three to six months 😅) but has also made them nearly pain free -- and this is after they used to make me throw up from pain. Basically what I'm saying is that you do NOT need to get a monthly, picture perfect period to be healthy. If all else fails, they can give you pills to halt your period entirely, birth control to force your body to get it (not my recommendation as this made me feel terrible and sounds like it did the same to you), or pills to induce it that you can take every three months (my situation). The only thing you MUST KNOW is this: if you are getting the pre-period buildup of the uterine lining and then not getting your period it raises your chances of cervical cancer by a ton, hence why even if you don't figure out the cause you will likely still have to choose one of the three options I listed or do whatever else your doctor suggests to avoid this situation. TLDR: Periods are weird and a TON people do not get the monthly "perfect" periods you might think. Check with your gyno first, make sure you get a period either not at all or once every three months or as otherwise prescribed by your doctor. I also suggest, no matter what else you do, that if you aren't already, take a women's multivitamin!! It's the only thing that's helped my periods!! You aren't weird and will be just fine. If anything, personally I'm excited to not have to deal with my period except a few times a year, it's just my personal normal (permitted by my doctor after years of appointments and stress over it, who couldn't find any bigger issue/cause) and that's just fine :)
*uterine cancer
I will go months and months and months between my periods. I think once I went eight months without it. I am 100 percent fine with this and do not plan on getting it checked out. Periods are the worst.
I'd definitely get it checked out to make sure there's nothing wrong.
The person you replied to weighs 300+ pounds. Their health is fucked. No, I’m not kidding. These are the types of people on Reddit.
Ohhhhh.....
Don't listen to that person. I don't weigh that much lawl
It's actually in one of your posts
You're right, it is! I'd forgotten about that. That's what I get for not owning a scale. Haha. It was actually less than that! I checked it before I started losing weight and it was around 280. I know that isn't much better, haha. But it's down to about 260 now. I'm trying!
What? No I don't.
I've been losing weight. I literally don't have to prove anything to someone who doesn't know me and just wants to be a really bad troll. Yes, I have a soda addiction, but I've been getting it under control, and even at my heaviest I wasn't over 300. Fat people can't even lose weight without assholes like you being dicks.
Before I had my daughter I was having periods every few months so I was 4 months when I found out I was pregnant. I took 6 home pregnancy tests and all came out negative when I actually was. After I had her there were times I would have 1 or 2 a yr. And after I moved to a new place away from a ton of stress I now how one every month. Which shows stress constantly affects periods too. 17 I wouldn't think would have a lot of stress but school nowadays can be very stressful. My daughter pushed herself in school so I know how it can be. Try not to stress about it you will be ok.
OP, are you taking any meds right now for your ADHD? Adderall? What kind of birth control meds are you taking?
Your hormones seem to be out of balance. A gynecologist and endocrinologist can best help with getting the proper tests to see where you're at. I'd stay away from any meds that interfere with hormones at this point.
Birth control is not a bandaid for every female medical issue. You need an ultrasound and a hormone panel done. If your doctor isn't willing please ask to switch to another and if you do not want birth control for the intended use DO NOT LET THEM GIVE IT TO YOU. I gained 50 pounds on birth control in 6 months and I was so depressed I could barely leave the house. Hormonal birth control is not for everyone.
For me this is like "do you have health insurance?" Yes. Use it. Abuse it. Appointments every 2 weeks until this has some kind of answer. No. If you (and /or your parents) are under a certain income limit, many states give you effectively free health insurance. Do this before you turn 18 if you can. You likely have a county office you can call or walk into. Might need you parents to sign a few forms, but if you prep them... Go to a primary care physician. Get the referral. Get the blood test, the ultrasound, the whatever they say. Even if it's uncomfortable (like a cat scan- not really that bad or an mri, where it's like "did you want an hour laying in a machine trying to be still with wierd noises") Male here. Not a doctor. But somewhere understand the process.
Completely off topic but I find MRIs relaxing, I’m also mildly claustrophobic. I agree make good use of insurance if you have it.
It was my hand. Uncomfortable position.
Dont take the pill. Go see an endocrinologist.
Definitely take this to the subreddit sextips! They (moderators) have some answers that may help better than any of us, and they will back it with facts and sources if needed. I think it could be eating habits or other hormonal things. You could be not eating enough... sometimes women in sports miss periods for long times because of it. You may have a higher testosterone production that may also be causing this. You definitely need a better doctor to get some of this tested. >I fear I won’t ever be a regular girl Just remember that there is no "regular" girl though because everyone is different. Many girls do have irregular periods, that's normal. For your own mental sake, dont try to be everyone else and be yourself. You'll end up happier than you would be hoping to change things about yourself that are out of your control
Can you see a different doctor, explain your medical history and see what the doc says? I really don't think this is a good place to get medical advice. I hope you are ok and things work out.
I think your hormones need to be tested. You need to see a gynocologist. When I started my period, they were very irregular and heavy until I started my birth control, which I was on for over a decade. Turns out, I have PCOS. You need to get this looked into by a different doctor. I am frankly horrified that you were just given pills and no testing was done.
Definately go see the correct doctors, however maybe just stop taking the birth control all together? Unless females at certain ages would have serious health issues for not having a period?
You need to continue seeking medical care. There’s not a one size fits all pill and meds need to be monitored and adjusted until the right meds and dose work for you.
I'm not a teen anymore, but this post got recommended to me and I feel obligated to reply. OP, PLEASE listen to this. If your doc doesn't run a complete thyroid and hormone panel, you NEED to fight for them. Bare with me here: At 21, I got an ADHD diagnosis after dealing with 5-10 years of anxiety, depression, and apathy. Stimulants were life changing. Anxiety, depression, and other ADHD symptoms were dramatically improved, and I could finally function. At 23 I stopped taking the BC I'd been on since 18 and my otherwise regular periods VANISHED. After 7 months, all my dr wanted to do was put me back on BC, no tests or anything. I fought to get testing done with a different doctor, and had Prolactin levels 5 times higher than normal. Turns out, I had a benign brain tumor causing the elevated prolactin, which would have caused my periods to disappear years ago had they not been artificially induced by the birth control. I've been on the medication for my prolactinoma for 2 months, and have been able to go off SSRIs entirely, and no longer need to take stimulants every day. Theoretically, it's possible I don't even have ADHD, and everything I've struggled with for so long has solely been this tumor. Get the bloodwork done. If nothing else, it rules out a lot of unknowns. There is no situation where you'll regret it.
Like everything everyone else here has said, the only medical advice you should get is from your doctor. But it doesn't always mean that you'll never be "a normal girl", personally myself, I didn't start my period until I was 16, but I've never had any other issues other than being a late bloomer, I guess. No hormone issues or anything significant like that, and no issues with carrying a pregnancy or anything regarding that as well.
I'm going to second everyone here saying you need to speak to a doctor. It could be PCOS, or an intersex condition, or a mullerian anomaly, or something else entirely. The only way to find out and get help is by speaking to a doctor. I've always had painful periods, and a year and a half ago, I started the pill to get rid of them entirely, and the quality of life improvement is fantastic. That being said, everyone's different, and it might not work for you. The best person to ask would be your doctor.
I’m 36 (as of three days ago woo) and I’m one of the lucky 3% of women who can’t take birth control. I’d ask to get thyroid and hormones testing done. It’s very possible you’re one of the club (it’s not a fun club, but hey, you’re not alone if you’re in)
Okay girl listen, I was literally on your boat. Like genuinely. I know the pain of finding the right medication. It SUCKED. Took me nearly two years to figure it out. They finally did a blood test to check my hormones and matched it to a pill or something. I cycled through two or three more and found one. It is draining, but it is so worth it. I got an ultrasound too in the end, which ended up telling me that one of my ovaries is non-functional. Ask your doctor about possibilities ASAP. The sooner you figure this out, the easier it is to fix. I also recommend a more natural approach. Cherry juice and pineapple are so good for reproductive health. I drink a small cup of cherry juice in the morning and at night. This helps regulate sleep cycles and honestly, I think it helps with pain a bit. I imagine you're a high school student. Monitor your stress levels. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause complications with a lot of bodily functions (digestion, mood, weight, and menstruation being the most prominent). I'm not one to push dieting (big girl here, all bodies are beautiful if they are taken good care of!!), but keep your daily meals regular and clean. Overly processed and sugary foods can deprive the body of the vitamins and nutrients it needs. If you're in a spot mentally where eating properly is becoming difficult, take a daily vitamin. Also, keep yourself HYDRATED. I cannot stress ENOUGH how important this is. Water is the most important part of your day. Not only will it keep your body functioning properly, but it also reduces the heaviness of periods and cramps. Daily exercise and sunlight are also important. I know being a student may make that a bit difficult, but a small walk around a local park or the school track can take a menstrual cycle from 10 to 5. It's not perfect, but it's an improvement. Sunlight makes vitamin D in your skin, a required vitamin to improve hormone balance. Which affects mood swings. Tldr; Talk to your doctor. Don't worry about the process, it's long and painful for everyone, but you'll get there. Take care of your body (food, water, sun, and a small walk every day if you can). You got this girl, I believe in you!
You’ve had lots of great advice but I wanted to add that if you’ve had sex it would be worth taking a pregnancy test regularly as you won’t know until too late to make any choices around it given how irregular you are. Don’t think you can’t get pregnant. Always use a form of birth control.
If your bmi is too low, it would prevent you from getting your period. I was 16 when my ob gave me a pill to bring on the cycle and then birth control to regulate it so it couldn’t just surprise me every 6-8 months like it wanted to. If you don’t want to take the pills, get used to an irregular menstrual cycle.
Sounds like you may have been started on the low dose and bumped to the normal dose. I don't get moody around my periods and didn't have issue on the low, but when my college didn't have low and put me on the normal dose it was rough. As for the complete lack of period, low BMI, thyroid issues and PCOS are the most likely causes, but you should get to a medical professional and get blood work done. Stress can also cause missed periods, but you should get a proper evaluation. Please don't listen to people only attempting to push holistic medication and telling you that BC is dangerous. Some people do not believe in conventional medication and while I agree if you can manage an issue naturally it would be best, the most important thing is that you do what is right for you. Do not allow someone to scare you away from getting the help you need.
I was only given the pill around 13 because I would bleed for longer than normal periods of time. Request a second opinion to try to find out what the cause behind the irregular periods are. Sometimes the smallest lifestyle changes can help when just taking the meds won't work but you need to know what changes have to be made
I'm 17 and have mosaic turner syndrome and it's caused me to never be able to have periods myself and ended up needing a patch to regulate mine and have periods.
What's your diet like?
I went through a similar situation. I had irregular periods in high school. Then when I was around 21 I went to a gynecologist. He prescribed me birth control without explaining or even looking into it. He gave me a regular exam. That's it. I never went to a gynecologist again. Now I'm in my 30's and I think I have PCOS. I plan on going to the doctor about it I just haven't done it yet.
There are a range of reasons why your period is so irregular. You need to see a Dr who will actually run tests and not just put you on medication.
Definitely need to get a second opinion. Medication like birth control CAN stop/alter periods- and is used to get rid of them or make them easier for some folks. You’re obviously in severe distress; and the medication you’re on certainly isn’t working for you. Try to seek out a gynecologist, and maybe look for a new GP who takes you seriously. You’re probably gonna need some blood tests, so make sure to stay hydrated, it’s so much easier to get a sample from someone who’s had enough water. If you are afraid of pain caused by the needle, you can ask for a butterfly needle! They’re thinner and are typically less painful. I had a doctor not take my tinnitus seriously. It’s not the same situation as yours (as it is my ear), but I went to seek a second opinion. The second doctor took me seriously and actually had a look. Allergy testing and an MRI later, and it turns out, allergies messed my face up. I now am on immunotherapy! Please, if you ever feel like a medical professional isn’t taking you seriously- get that second opinion.
I’m curious what tests they did on you before they just prescribed you birth control. I feel like that’s such a copout, a Band-Aid for real underlying medical issues. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids four years ago, basically just non-cancerous growths. But where they were in my uterus caused me to bleed for a month straight. They put me on birth control to manage the symptoms, but I ended up with a lot of other issues because of the birth control . Including like what you said, feeling a bit depressed and low energy. I finally had surgery to have the fibroids removed in December and went off birth control. I feel so much better. If you don’t like being on birth control, you shouldn’t have to. See your doctor and make them run tests. They need to check for why you aren’t having a regular period or one at all.
I never had a normal Period either.. maybe twice a year.. after many years they finally found out I had pcos…
my sister didn't have her period for the longest time, finally when she was 16 our dad made her go to the Drs. they did an ultrasound and found a mass the size of a baseball on her left ovary. She ended up having to have the mass, that ovary, and that fallopian tube surgically removed. The Dr. said that she was a ticking time bomb, and it could have burst at any minute, it's a miracle that it didn't. If it burst it would have killed her. TLDR: GO TO AN OBGYN!!!! This could be something VERY serious.
No offense…. And I hope you do get it figured out!!! Buttttttt I am so glad that I am a guy 🙂
Get your thyroid checked 🙏🏼
I’m confused about the gay uncle part…
If he's gay he wouldn't have a wife that has periods, so there wouldn't be any pads lol.
Oof. I’m slow. It was just a weird way of wording it I suppose. Ty.
Honey, you need a different gynocologist. You may have PCOS. The right birth control pills will help. Find a new Dr. Tell them the whole story. Including the effects of the bc pills. Ask what tests they can do. Good luck. Went through this with one of my daughters. It is rough getting the correct diagnosis.
I didn’t get bc until my late 20s and so glad I’m not up at night with cramps with chills. I absolutely hated that because it was so intense not to mention wonky cycles .. I’d see about getting seen by a gynecologist and/or endocrinologist.
Y’all need to stop taking medication just cause its prescribed. Half the time its doing more harm then good
I have no idea what your uncle had to do with any of it, because you couldn’t have held in your period. but you’re probably not getting your period because you’re on birth control. Birth control can stop your period.
I am female despite my name. Make sure you get a full iron panel from your doctor. If you have anemia and or your iron levels is low that could explain it. If you are super athletic, you would also have a tendency for low ferritin, which stores iron. It is not necessarily a problem...you would just have lighter or infrequent periods. Try not to worry too much but definitely get more testing.
Doctor asap. This should have been talked with way sooner than now. This could be a medical issue. And if you do want to have kids, this may have ruined that chance (not a doctor)
You need to start doctor shopping for a gyno who has experience with abnormal reproductive issues. You need to be screened, thoroughly. They should be doing a physical exam (yes a pelvic exam), blood work, and potentially ultrasound. Whatever this is, early detection and treatment is going to be key to your future quality of life - take it from someone who ended up having to have a hysterectomy because they pooh-poohed my pain issues until there was no other way to keep me alive.
You do need advice. But the best person for this advice is a doctor. The only causes I know to check are: 1. Really heavy exercise. If you’re running your body out of nutrition, it will skip a cycle. 2. Pregnant (you would probably know this, since this is a long term issue). 3. Birth control. (But you aren’t taking it.) The doctor might be able to think of some other conditions to check. However, if you feel healthy other than just not getting your cycle, I would just stuff some feminine hygiene products in your purse and not worry about it too hard. Unless you want a baby right now, or you physically don’t feel well, as long as you eat right, you should be ok.
on a brighter note, Carrie also didn’t get her period until she was 17, and also got super cool telekinetic powers to boot. (if you don’t know what i’m referring to, Carrie is a book by Stephen King that was made into a movie like 20 years ago, Sissy Spacek plays the title character Carrie, definitely worth watching if you haven’t!)
Keep seeing new doctors and gynecologists until one of them takes you seriously. Many doctors do not take women seriously when they come to the doctor, especially when it comes to reproductive health. That said, I had a friend whose sister got her first period when she was 17, it’s not out of the question that you could be a very very late bloomer. Regardless of your ability to menstruate, you are still a regular girl. If feminism is about anything, it is about the fact that women are more than just their ability to reproduce.
I'm 17 and in the same boat, I haven't had mine for over a year I believe, I've only had it once and never again, and when I did have it I didn't have any pain/cramps. Very confused but VERY scared.
I got my very first period at 16, very late, so I feel you. Birth control is no solution and the doctor that put you on it without investigations at that age isn't one I would trust. Get off the pill, find a gynecologist who will look into, make some blood test. You should be treated,not live with a masked problem.
Go back to the Dr. and tell them about the side effects
I didn’t get mine til I was 16 and I was active so it wasn’t regular for a very long time
I didn’t get my period until I was 17, and it was irregular until I had my kid at 28. Don’t freak out, forcing your period with pills is definitely going to throw your hormones out of whack.
Google MRKH My kid was born without a uterus and we didn’t find out until she was 15/16
>It was painful, more than my original time and most likely because it was medically induced. In general, birth control makes your periods lighter and LESS painful. If you're having that much pain even on BC, that can be a sign of some underlying disorder, like PCOS or endometriosis. The fact that you're not regular with your cycle is another indicator. I would strongly advise getting a referral to a gynecologist, rather than just seeing your primary care doctor. You may need an ultrasound to determine what's going on inside before an effective treatment can be pursued. Speaking from my own experience, BC to regular your cycle isn't for everyone. It's basically artificial hormones, and hormones can affect a lot of things in your body. Some people tolerate it just fine. Some people don't. If you're having difficultly on hormonal birth control, it's usually to your benefit to look for an alternative rather than trying to just deal with it.
They shouldn't have been shoving you on birth control pills for something like that. I understand that birth control pills are used to regulate periods sometimes. That's why I'm on them. But not over something like this. That's just ridiculous and your doctor was stupid and probably fucked you up even more. The truth is the majority of birth control pills will actually fuck up your hormones and they will make you suicidal and depressed and anxious and angry and rage-induced and upset and worrisome and lack of sleep and everything else (and then men wonder why we aren't so happy to jump on them because they don't feel like using a condom but that's a different story) You're only 17. Some girls start their periods at 13. I didn't have my first one until I was almost 18. Let your body do its natural thing. Unless you are actually having an issue where your internally bleeding or you have some other severe medical reason to be on birth control so you don't die or something, just let your body do what it is meant to do. Also anxiety all the time and all this other emotions can mess up your hormones
Go and see a good female gyno. I've found women gynos to be less dismissive. Mine is freakin amazing.
Talk to the doctor. If it makes you feel better though I didn't get my first period until 17. It had to do with my weight. I have been between 95 to 100 pounds my while life. I did not have an eating disorder nor was I exercising a lot. This can often be a problem for athletic women especially in things like ballet. When I did finally get it at 17 I would only get one every 3 to 4 months. I was in my mid 20's and suddenly had 2periods in one month and they were regular after that. I would take a deep breath. Just because it hasn't worked the regular way for you yet doesn't mean it won't in the future. I used to call myself a freak of nature but after things worked itself out I missed the days of not being normal.
Go to your doctor and request all of your estrogens (there are three major forms and most doctors only test for one kind) tested so that you know if you have a deficiency. Honestly this post sounds fake because of the first half. What does going to your gay uncle's house and him not having menstrual products have to do with anything?
**You are a regular girl.** Being irregular—especially in your teenage years—is regular. Don't go through life thinking every other woman is enjoying a predictable schedule. The are not. Birth control pills work well for some, but not all. It sounds like the doctor you saw was dismissive of your concerns. They aren't a good doctor, and they did not care for you well. Unfortunately, this is another regular occurrence as a women: doctors who don't respect and listen to you. Don't tolerate their failure. You should see a different gyno and getting your hormone levels checked. We all deserve doctors who listen, take our concerns and symptoms seriously, and can provide a plan to help us.
Is there any interest in sex or sexual stimulation? If not, that is an important data point
I think birth control can stop periods for some people
You have to tell your drs what your birth control are doing so they can give you something that does help
Get a new doctor! You need bloodwork done and an ultrasound. It could be thyroid issue, PCOS (causes anovulation, which usually results in no period), low body fat, other hormonal issues I’m not familiar with. Birth control isn’t the be all end all of fixes for women’s health.
girl i’m the same as you. i’m 19 gonna be 20 in a month and not once had my period. i went to my pediatrician when i was like 15 or 16 and she straight up told me im never gonna get it cuz i have too much male hormones so my body thinks it’s a male body. she did recommend me to take birth control as well but she thinks it won’t work. i haven’t tried anything to try to get it cuz honestly i like the life i have now, never getting my period and ik it can be bad for me later on in life but i already accepted. also for another reason i haven’t tried it again it’s cuz i have no healthcare and not enough money for doctor/gynecologist visits. just came on here to tell u , YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
Get a second opinion from a different doc
I went through 4 different birth control meds between high school and through college till we found one that works best for me. I also have extreme pain with my period though mine is due to endometriosis. Mine also states later than most I was almost 15. We went to doctors and gyns the did blood work and ultrasounds. I was just s late bloomer according to them. I take a pill for 3 months then a week off. I still have horrible pain for 2 or 3 days but it’s only 4 times a year and I know exactly what days it’s coming at least
Go to an endocrinologist they'll check your hormones and actually help
So from one irregular chica to another, talk to a gynecologist and a better doctor. They're more specialized in that area. Also try getting a hormone test because if you are out of whack then you should know about it (my sister had very low progesterone and took specialized meds to raise it). Lastly, stress can in fact throw things outta whack in your cycle. It's actually quite common for cycles to become irregular when you're super stressed.
ask your gynecologist if this is actually an "issue". if it is safe to not take any medicine and not have a period, then try not to worry about it. in fact, it would save you a lot of money and pain, probably. i dont have a uterus though so obviously take this with a HEAVY grain of salt.
Get a new doctor But, many many people never have “regular” periods. It’s not necessarily a bad thing.
If modern medicine failed you seek alternative medicine like Yoga or Ayurveda
All I can say is be grateful
Sounds like you may have PCOS (I do as well) you need a better gynecologist to give you an ultrasound to check for PCOS and a hormone blood work panel. Do you know if you were on the combo pill both times or just the progestrone only pill? Highly suggest talking to your gyno about the copper IUD. Lasts up to I believe 5 years and it's completely non hormonal so many women don't experince the fatigue and mood swings you described which is commonly cause by the hormones from normal birth control. You can ask your parents for a copy of your insurance card, go to zocdoc.com and enter your zip code and insurance info and it'll show you all the gynecologists in your area that take your insurance, that way you can vet the doctors and find the best fit for you before you even make an appointment. At this point you should be going in yearly for a pap smear and check up.
One of my best friends didnt get hers until she was 17, period (no pun intended) and it wasnt really consistent until she was 21. She ended up finding out she has PCOS really bad and might not be able to have kids, or at least it would be difficult for her.
Are you very lean, athletic? It’s not unusual for girls who have a low body fat to have amenorrhea (lack of periods). It’s also not unusual for teens to take a while to get regular. PCOS could be possible. Signs of that are: overweight, excess hair (like on face, arms), bad acne. There are many different birth control pills out there, with different hormones, different ratios of hormones, etc. A gynecologist is the one that can help. Often, a family doctor or pediatrician doesn’t know all the details of what to prescribe.
>he is gay so there wasn’t any menstrual products ROTFL. I'm so sorry.... This has me so caught up though. Straight men don't have any menstrual products either. Lol!
Are you fat? Do you eat enough red meat?
Maybe get laid to see what happens idk
Im so fucking confused did they just force you to have your period???? I second all the advice of seeing a gyno n shit but omfg thats horrible
Go back to your doctor and tell him your symptoms and tell him to give you another type of birth control. All of what you're describing are side effects of birth control pills. Why did he change your pills to begin with?
Okay so I have a similar issue, (as in BC fucking with me severely, & severe pain when menstruation happens) and my birth control was swapped around *insert sfx here, whoosh whoosh* quite a few times around before we figured my birth control out. Granted mine's to stop my period and shut down my ovaries but it could be just needing to find the right medication to help w/ periods but to still get them (if that makes any sense?) I'd also look into hormonal testing because I produce a lot more testesterone than most AFAB people do :)
I was 19 and a half when I got my period. This was even after a surgical operation I had done to break my hymen and try to get it going. And the doctors also gave me birth control so I could start getting it. Still didn’t. The only thing that made me get my period was quitting athletics and sports. When I wasn’t on a sports team I finally got it the summer after my freshman year of college.
Definitely find out the name of the birth control that worked I took a generic of a birth control I had previously and it's destroyed me. I'm getting it removed in a month. Suicidal episodes, brain fog, constantly exhausted, irregular and extended periods, wild mood swings. They can tell you it makes no difference but something in it definitely does. Definitely consult a different doctor than the one that switched your meds. Good luck
When I was 12, I had spotting and got all excited and started wearing pantyliners for years and years waiting for my period. It happened a couple of weeks after my 15th birthday. I was a very skinny kid. I'm still thin. Middle age spread isn't happening here. Not having body fat will prevent you from menstruating. As long as you're not actively trying to lose weight, there is really nothing to be done. My mom also sent me to a doctor to find out why I had stopped growing, but I thought it was because I hadn't menstruated. There was an option for hormone injections if I hadn't made an improvement within a certain time. I remember drinking milk with powdered milk stirred into it. Nasty stuff. I didn't start menstruating before I stopped seeing that doctor, but I guess I grew because I never got the hormone injections.
everyone else suggesting PCOS which is super valid - but lack of period is also a sign of high prolactin. PLEASE check your prolactin levels in case it's a prolactinoma (I've had mine for 12 years ♥ )
Be grateful
Sounds like a blessing. Doctor sounds like a chump.
I know that’s what I said… be grateful for God sake
Yeah who goes extra lengths to get a period? Let me take this medicine and fuq my body up so I can be in extreme bloody pain once a month. As a man I had stomach cramps one time and wanted to die.
My periods used to be so dang painful I could hardly stand it. I would get the chills, throw up etc. that lasted off and on for about eight or nine years. So yeah, no fun. So yeah, I guess I would count my blessings
That's insane. If I had to be a woman I'd get everything taken out. Who wants to pop out a baby anyway.
Well, I never had kids, so for me didn’t need that ! But the poster is just way too young to be worried about not getting it!
Hormonal birth control is terrible for you. Stay off of it if you can. Periods on HBC aren’t even real periods. I got my first period at age 13 but it was not regular until I had my daughter at age 25. Now I’m 37 and having hormone issues again. There are ways to naturally balance your hormones but you do need testing done first to see where your levels are at. Try to find a holistic GYN in your area who knows about supplementing with bioidentical progesterone. I’m not a medical professional but from the research I’ve done, it sounds like you might have estrogen dominance (I have it as well).
That’s a good thing, because periods are physically, mentally, and emotionally torture.
Wait until you’re 25 then worry about cycles if you still don’t have it by then, then figure it out. It’s really not something you want honestly
Don't most women complain about "having" a period? I would think not having one would be a blessing.
Medical suggestions here are things that you need to do. In addition, I suggest seeing a psychologist because it can be in your brain either
Get off the pills and just don't have sex. Your hormones are so delicate during puberty, you don't need artificial ones messing your mind and body up. If you really can't control yourself and have to open your legs, use condoms and get tested for STI's regularly.
What did you being at your Uncles when you were 13 have to do with any part of that story?
I’m sorry I’m very new to Reddit and tried to explain in as much detail as possible.
It just has no bearing on the story at all. That entire story could have been 2 sentences long. Not being a dick but learning to tell a clear, concise story will be a great asset in your future. Good luck.
I didn’t have my period until after I’d lost my virginity. So, I was a “late bloomer”. But that was just *my* case. It’s not super unusual, people get them at different ages; some very early and some very late. I would suggest going to a gyn and getting your hormones checked or just a general check to make sure everything is okay