LATE MENNSTRUAL CYCLE

[SNAIR]

Dear doctor,
My daughter is born in feb 1995 and has not got her first period till date. All other symptoms like pubic hair growth and breast development seems to be normal. Is ther a necessity to go for medical help or shall we wait. How long can we wait as all her classmates have got their periods and she feels that something is abnormal with her
Kindly advise

[SNAIR]

Thanks a miollion doctor,
I would like to wait for some time and then i will get back to you.
Regards
Shivaji nair

[John Kim, M.D.]

Most likely your daughter will have her period if her pubic hair growth, breast development and growth spurt has been normal. However, if you are concerned you may see your pediatrician to do a history and physcial examination to take note of past general health, height and weight records, family history of onset of puberty, exercise or eating habits that may effect onset of menses like eating disorders or extreme athletics. The mean year for breast budding is 10.5 years, onset of pubic hair is 11.0 years, and the onset of menarche occurs after the peak growth velocity usually around 11.4 years with the mean age of menarche in the U.S. being 12.8 years. (Speroff 2005).  Your daughter may still be falling within normal limits but if you are concerned, please see your pediatrician.