Menstrual Bleeding - Missed Periods and Irregular Periods

Menstrual bleeding is a part of a normal cycle for all children who have a period.

• The uterus has to get rid of it’s lining when pregnancy does not happen.

  • The uterine lining is what is seen when your child has bleeding or clots.

A missed period means your child has not had any bleeding for at least six weeks.

An irregular period means the bleeding occured weeks sooner or later than their normal cycle.

• This means their period may vary from 21 to 45 days apart.

• The time between each cycle may be different as well.

You and your child can track their period with different apps or by marking it down on a calendar.

During the first one to two years, your child’s period may be irregular as the hormones have not settled into a pattern yet.

• Your child may miss a period for a few months or have the time between periods differ, and this can be normal.

If your child is under a lot of stress, it can cause missed or irregular periods.

If your child is losing weight, it can cause missed or irregular periods.

If your child has gained weight, it can cause missed or irregular periods.

If your child has been ill, they may miss or have irregular periods.

If your child spends many hours a day exercising, it can cause them to miss or have irregular periods.

Some medications can cause missed or irregular periods, including birth control methods such as intrauterine devices (IUD’s) or injections like Depo-Provera.

If your child is pregnant, then they will not have a period.

Variation in the timing of your child’s period may change a bit here and there and still be normal.

• If your child is missing periods or having irregular periods often, please contact your child’s CPCMG provider.

  • Less commonly, your child’s missed or irregular periods may be a sign of something else going on in their bodies. In some cases, hormone problems, dietary deficiencies, and eating disorders can be associated with irregular periods.

Your child may have spotting at times. This means they don’t have a full period, but they notice some bleeding from time to time.

Your child may have breast tenderness when their period comes.

They may have cramping when their period comes.

Bleeding may be shorter or longer with irregular or missed periods once their period comes.

Your child may experience pain in their abdomen, back, or pelvis when their period comes again.

They may feel bloated and have constipation or looser stools.

Your child may have mood changes, fatigue, or irritability around the time of their period.

Your child may experience discharge at times.

Your child may feel dizzy, faint, or have headaches when having a period.

Your child may notice acne or facial breakouts around their menstrual cycle.

Discharge is also normal to have at times, and sometimes in between periods.

For changes in your child’s weight:

• Encourage your child to eat healthy balanced meals so their body gets the nutrients it needs.

• Contact your child’s CPCMG provider if you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, their body image, or a possible eating disorder.

For stress:

• Check in regularly with your child about school, friends, and life situations.

• Encourage them to take regular breaks from homework.

• Encourage them to take time to exercise.

• Have them practice a relaxation exercise (like box-breathing).

• Make sure they are getting enough sleep.

• Contact your child’s CPCMG provider for further help with stress management.

For athletes that train physically for hours a day:

• Talk to your child’s coach, athletic trainer, or school to see if the amount of time spent exercising can be reduced, while still allowing your child to stay in good physical health.  

• This is known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), previously referred to as the “female athlete triad.” In RED-S, a person consumes less calories than the energy that their body uses exercising, leading to low bone mineral density and irregular periods. Click here for more information.

Your child may need to have some blood work done or some labs checked in the office.

There are medications that can help your child so they can have more regular periods.

If your child has a known chronic medical condition that could be the cause of missed or irregular periods, contact your child’s CPCMG provider or specialist for help with a treatment plan.

Your child is having irregular or missed periods.

Your child had their first period more than 2 years ago, and they are still having frequent periods (less than 21 days between periods) or infrequent periods (more than 45 days between periods).

You are concerned about your child’s stress level, mood, or anxiety.

You think your child may be pregnant.

You are concerned about your child’s eating habits or body image.

Your child has fainted while having their period.

Your child’s periods are causing them to miss school.

You have any other questions or concerns.

You would like to have your child seen.