24 and Never Had a Period
Question
I am a 24 year old woman who has never had a period on my own. I have had every test possibly done (including ultrasound, hormone testing, etc.) and everything came back perfectly normal. I have done birth control pills and I have had normal periods from that (which I know is artificial), but I am curious to see if it is my weight because I am a tiny girl and thin (4’9.5 and ranges from 79-85lbs–never been more than that).
I am in a serious relationship and I am afraid that one day when we want children my only option would be invitro (if that would even be possible). Do you think it has been my weight all along? What do you recommend? I would appreciate all help you can give.
Thanks. Rhena
Answer
Last Updated: November 19, 2021
Dear Rhena,
If you truly had a comprehensive work-up and all was normal, I would definitely suspect your weight as a problem. Your body mass index is about 17 which is considered underweight. There are two options.
The best option is to start charting with the Creighton Model of Fertility Care and then see a medical practitioner familiar with NaProTechnology. Otherwise, gain weight by increasing healthy calories and doing some weight training. Once you get to 90-95 pounds you should stop gaining. At that point, if the lack of period is related to weight, you should start to cycle.
In health,
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Culture of Life Family Health Care
If you truly had a comprehensive work-up and all was normal, I would definitely suspect your weight as a problem. Your body mass index is about 17 which is considered underweight. There are two options.
The best option is to start charting with the Creighton Model of Fertility Care and then see a medical practitioner familiar with NaProTechnology. Otherwise, gain weight by increasing healthy calories and doing some weight training. Once you get to 90-95 pounds you should stop gaining. At that point, if the lack of period is related to weight, you should start to cycle.
In health,
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Culture of Life Family Health Care
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, MD, President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology. He and wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
