Irregular Periods in Preteens and Teens

Irregular periods are common in preteens and teens who have just started getting their periods. It can take up to two years for periods to become regular, but another common cause can be hormone changes. If after those initial two years a preteen or teen is skipping months between periods or has ever gone more than three months between cycles, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, our pediatric and adolescent gynecologists have expertise in diagnosing problems that can cause irregular periods. We also specialize in treating common causes of irregular periods, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in children, preteens and teens. Often, this endocrine (hormone) disorder first appears in adolescence but continues through adulthood.

With locations across Chicago and the western and southwestern suburbs, we aim to provide more convenient and flexible appointment scheduling options for your family.

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Signs of Irregular Periods in Teens

A preteen or teen has irregular periods if they don’t menstruate on a regular cycle. Although the average cycle is 28 days, a teen’s cycle may be shorter or longer. Some signs a teen has irregular periods:

• Periods that happen more often than 21 days
• Periods that happen less often than 45 days
• Periods that regularly last longer than seven days
• Skipped periods (if periods have ever been more than three months apart)

Our pediatric and adolescent gynecologists at Comer Children’s can help uncover the cause of irregular periods in teens and offer effective treatment options. We see patients in Hinsdale, Orland Park, Flossmoor, River East and Hyde Park.

Causes of Irregular Periods in Preteens and Teens

Common causes of irregular periods in young people include:

• Hormone changes
• PCOS
• Exercising too much
• Eating disorders or not eating enough
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy

Treatments for Irregular Periods in Young People

Sometimes, lifestyle changes like reducing stress, seeing a licensed nutritionist or changing medications may be enough to make a teen’s periods more predictable. Hormone treatments like birth control pills can also help regulate the menstrual cycle. At Comer Children’s, we will take time to understand each young patient’s particular situation and offer a personalized treatment plan.

Specialized Care for Children, Preteens and Teens with PCOS

Besides irregular periods, PCOS can cause a range of symptoms that first appear during adolescence. These include:

• Acne
• Excessive hair growth on the face and body
• Excess weight
• Hair loss
• Dark patches of skin near the neck, armpits or chest
• High blood sugar levels

If an underlying problem like PCOS is causing irregular periods, getting expert help can reduce a young patient’s future health risks. At Comer Children’s, we offer team-based care in a special clinic just for young people with PCOS. Getting age-appropriate treatment for PCOS is important because the condition can raise the risk of other problems, including diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer.