HEALTH

I’m 16 and haven’t gotten a period.

I guess I should see a doctor, but I’m embarrassed.

Go to the doctor! And no need to be embarrassed. You wouldn’t hesitate to ask your math teacher for help with the Pythagorean theorem. A math teacher’s job is to answer numbers questions; a gynecologist’s job is to answer health questions. Yes, it’s a bit awkward to talk about puberty—at first. But it only feels funny for a split sec.

The doc is there to listen to your concerns and make sure you’re healthy. She’ll probably tell you your late-blooming isn’t a prob. True, most girls start their periods at 12 or 13, but you’re probably maturing more slowly—especially if your mom and aunts did. But sometimes, says Dr. Adelaide Nardone, ob/gyn and medical advisor to the Vagisil Women’s Health Center, girls don’t menstruate due to hormonal issues, weight gain or loss, or other treatable reasons. So make that appointment as soon as possible.

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by GL | 2/1/2016