I get my period once a year...Is this unhealthy?

So, yea. Title. I'm not underweight, i'm 5'4 and 110 pounds. I think I just stunted my growth when I was anorexic, but I'm not sure. My doctor said that it was fine as long as I eat a lot of dairy (this was last august), but it wasn't really a direct answer and I'd like one, if it's possible. So is this healthy? If not, why is this happening?

Well I guess you could get a second opinion if you're concerned about it. I have only had 2 periods since August and my Dr. said that it was fine, too. However, in the past I had a nurse practitioner put me on the pill to regulate them bc she felt  it was unhealthy.

If it bothers you, you could always get on the pill in order to have regular periods.

Why are you supposed to eat a lot of dairy?

no idea if it's unhealthy, but i'm the same way.

Depends how old you are. Periods tend to be irregular for some people into their late teens or even 20s, so it might not be a bit deal. But, if you ever had regular periods and they have now stopped, yes that is bad. so it depends.

I'm exactly the same too, and have always been that way.  A year or so with no period.  Doc's don't know what's wrong, all of the tests have come back normal.  They didn't seem too concerned but they said you MUST bleed at least every 3 months.  So going 3+ months without bleeding is bad (stuff's not supposed to sit in your uterus that long, gross... sorry).  So ask your doc for progesterone (brings on a period) every 3 months or you could go on the pill.  Until you want to have kids I wouldn't sweat it.  Good luck

Yeah, I had exactly the same problem. That's why I had to go on the pill. Unfortunately it made me gain quite a lot of weight, so be warned that it might have some side effects.

I was on the pill for years and the weight gain was negligible if any. Don't let that discourage you.

k thanks. I'm only 15 so I'm not gonna go on the pill. Thanks for the replies!

hi i only get mine once a year but i poked my stomach in a certain spot and i started my period i did that last time it was really odd.is that normal

^ahaha ashley. I dont think poking ones stomach would cause a period. You probably were already getting it and you just put the right amount of pressure on your uterus and it just squeezed the blood out.

I think you just need to get your fat intake up. At least from what Ive read, if your body fat percentage is too low you wont get your period. Probably thats the reason why your doctor said to keep eating dairy. Dairy is usually higher in fat like cheese and milk are your best bet for high fat. You could always research what a females BF% should be and then ask your doctor to check it. Or just work to take in the appropriate amount of fat some one your age should get with your condition. Female athletes tend to lose there period because they're BF% is so low.

If you're only 15, then it probably isn't that big of a deal, unless (as other posters have said) you used to have fairly regular periods. Some people just get them later in life. I know I didn't even start getting my period until I was almost 16, and they remained very light (1-3 days) and only came every 2-3 months. It wasn't until somewhere between 18 and 19 years old that they suddenly came regularly and were much heavier.

So yep, everybody's body is different. If you really are concerned, I would get a second doctor's opinion on the matter though.

 

Original Post by hafarrell620:

I'm exactly the same too, and have always been that way.  A year or so with no period.  Doc's don't know what's wrong, all of the tests have come back normal.  They didn't seem too concerned but they said you MUST bleed at least every 3 months.  So going 3+ months without bleeding is bad (stuff's not supposed to sit in your uterus that long, gross... sorry).  So ask your doc for progesterone (brings on a period) every 3 months or you could go on the pill.  Until you want to have kids I wouldn't sweat it.  Good luck

 I recieved the same information from my doctor after having issues with my period.  She did prescribe progesterone to make me get my period and that jump started my system.  I only had to take it a few months to get things going.  My GYM did tell me it's not healthy to go more than 4 months without a period . . . I would make sure they do everything they can to find out what is wrong, not just have you come in for a visit and tell you it's fine.  There are tests that can be done (check your blood count for anemia, thyroid function, pelvic exam, etc.).  

110 at 5'4" isn't exactly... well, you're definitely on the edge of underweight. I wouldn't rule out trying to gain another 5 pounds to see if that helps. I also wouldn't rule out BC just because of your age. The pill is used for a lot of reasons - nudging a woman's cycle along if she's very irregular, helps clear up acne, fixes hormone imbalances - it doesn't mean that you're sexually active.

And it isn't healthy to go longer then 6 months without a cycle, according to my OB/GYN. I lost my period due to medical stress for about 9 months, and my doctor told me that after 6 months she needed to put me on estrogen replacement, plus Vitamin D, in order to protect my bones from damage.

Have you had your body fat percentage taken at the doctors?

Original Post by hafarrell620:

I'm exactly the same too, and have always been that way.  A year or so with no period.  Doc's don't know what's wrong, all of the tests have come back normal.  They didn't seem too concerned but they said you MUST bleed at least every 3 months.  So going 3+ months without bleeding is bad (stuff's not supposed to sit in your uterus that long, gross... sorry).  So ask your doc for progesterone (brings on a period) every 3 months or you could go on the pill.  Until you want to have kids I wouldn't sweat it.  Good luck

 Definitely talk to the doctor again if you're concerned.  As for progesterone - I was put on a progerstone IUD to STOP excessive bleeding and it actually stopped my periods.  Too much estrogen was one of the causes of the excessive bleeding.  There are also many doctors now that promote continuous use of the pill so you don't get a period (didn't work for me and I'd do more research on that).  So the whole need to bleed thing is a bit up in the air depending on who you listen to.