DD periods have stopped!

[tinkerbellone]

My DD is 16. She started her periods at 13. She has aspergers. Personal hygiene and periods have been a big issues - she doesn't want to acknowledge them.
She hides used sanitary products in her bedroom.
I have noticed the past few months she hasn't been using the sanitary towels in the bathroom cupboard.
She has just admitted she's not had a period this year!
She is not pregnant. She does not go out anywhere without me. She is on 1to1 teaching at school part time timetable due to school related anxiety.
Any advice or help?
Thank you

Think a GP trip is needed. Is she ok with doctors?

Has she lost weight could be that

Has she asked at school and got the pill so she doesn't have to deal with periods any more?

Thank you for replies xx
No she's not got the pill. She is very honest (she can't lie).
She's over weight. Sensory issues with sweat. Doesn't exercise or go out. I have tired lots - but that is another thread.
Doctors will be very awkward for her... especially period talk. She will be mortified.
I will go with her (she won't go anywhere on her own without someone) due to anxiety.

I just wondered if this had happened to anyone else?

Could you possibly talk to the GP on the phone ?

Pcos if she is overweight ? Would she talk to a nurse on a more casual basis instead of a Gp

A relative of mine is ASD/aspergers she has suspected pcos but refuses tests she is quite happy with little to no periods.

I've googled it all and I think gp is next step.
Our surgery have phone call/triage type process. So I will be able to explain.

I would phone the surgery on her behalf and just explain it all to them and see if she will go to an appointment

Pcos or hypothyroid. Look for a referral to an endocrinologist as they'll have much more experience than a GP, obviously

Go to GP ASAP.

My DD (also on the spectrum) had 7 months without a period, then she had the most horrific day of her life with uncontrollable bleeding. Of course, we were miles from any medical help. Eventually got to an urgent care, they prescribed the pill but said she may need ER. We didn't go to ER, but the next day she fainted (dehydration from blood loss) and 2 weeks later she's STILL not back to full health.

It may not be this dramatic for your DD, but suddenly stopping periods for an otherwise healthy woman/girl is a genuine health concern.

PCOS or cysts are common. Has she got any other classic PCOS signs (although with the age of your DD it may be hard to identify what’s normal and what could be PCOS). A cyst stopping her periods could (but not always) cause pain or discomfort.

Maybe seeing the GP and then having a discussion about the pill to regulate her cycle might help her: if she knew when it was coming and it should be lighter in flow, it may be easier for her to handle. Even tri-cycling the pill so it’s only a few times a year rather than every month.

Hey, as PPs have suggested a visit to the GP who will probably suggest some blood tests for hypothyroid and PCOS is needed. If it’s likely to be very difficult for her then see if the practice will offer a double appointment maybe?
Also I second the suggestion to consider the pill to give her some control over her periods, and also if it is PCOS that will be suggested anyway.

Thank you for your replies. I talked it through with her tonight & im ringing gp in the morning. X

Any news?

I called the Dr. She was massively focussed on DD being pregnant. DD never leaves house without me because of her ASD. Chances are zero.
Then asked me to make routine appointment, which is now in sept.
Thank you for all your advice

I'm sorry you are so worried. A GP visit may allay your fears.
Just for the record, I started my periods at thirteen but for several years I went sometimes for months without having one, then they'd settle down for a while to every 30-35 days. It wasn't until I was well in my twenties that I had them fairly regularly. Nothing wrong with me at all and it isn't unusual.

I did find that at times stressful situations seemed to stop my periods, when the stressful situation resolved, the period arrived. We are funny creatures the way our minds and bodies interract.

@Rebecca36 thank you.
I hope it's just irregular periods. With her weigh gain and anxiety I was hoping to rule out anything else xx

It could BE the anxiety. If I'm stressed out, periods are among the first things to go .

When did she gain the weight?

She gained the weight steadily over the past 4 years. She has sensory issues with sweating and so exercise is difficult. She doesn't like going out where there are people. Takes a lot of effort. X

How overweight is she?

I was 2 stone overweight which didn't look too fat to me. Obviously it was as my periods totally stopped.

Worth going to the GP. I have PCOS and I read somewhere that less than three periods a year can increase your risk of a type of cancer so no periods at all, whilst nice, can have risks. Hope GP appt is helpful.

My daughter's periods stopped for about 3 months earlier this year, she is 20 with SLD and overweight. We have managed to slightly improve her activity levels and her periods have been ok since.

I didn't go to the GP because there is no way she would comply with a blood test. She is having a general anaesthetic in a few weeks so I may see if they can take a blood sample then and screen her hormone levels. Hope the appointment goes well.

This happened to a relative of mine at the same age. Please get a thorough examination. Don't let th fob you off. Periods stopping for no apparent reason is a serious thing.