I am 19 and have never had a regular period. The only time I'm regular is when I am on the pill. Otherwise I can go three to four months without any cycle. Does this mean that I will have problems having kids when I get older?

-- Alexis

Your question implies that you have occasional menses, but at very irregular intervals. There are many causes for irregular menses or absent menses.

If the periods are irregular, but do come by themselves, I look for conditions that interfere with normal cycles -- such as stress, overweight or underweight, insulin resistance, and problems with the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands. Hereditary defects that interfere with normal hormone production may disrupt normal regular cycles. Unless a specific correctable cause is identified, it is likely that some form of fertility treatment may be necessary to help you conceive. If all your parts are intact and healthy, ultimately you should be able to conceive.

If you have never had a normal period, I would recommend having an FSH blood test to see if the ovary is properly formed. If this value is high, I would check for chromosomal abnormalities that may have interfered with normal ovarian development. Also, a malformation of the uterus or vagina may prevent you from detecting a normal menstrual flow.