Is it normal to rarely have periods?

I've been tracking my period for a while now, and I've realised that even though I seemed to have had a regular rhythm when I first started, the past few years I've only had 3 periods a year that last about 2-3 days. This year, I've only had one period (which was back in May) and it's September now. Is this normal, or should I get it checked out?

EDIT: As for my health and the like, I'm under 20, haven't lost a lot of weight and i'm definitely not pregnant or on birth control. I do have a few mental health issues (depression, anxiety, psychosis) that could cause stress, but these have existed prior to my periods becoming this bad.

Voting Results
27% Normal
Based on 11 votes (3 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 14 )
  • paramore93

    Check out PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) I've had it since I was 14 and have 1/2 a year ..
    Can develop at any point in life ..
    It's pretty common, 1/10 women have it ..

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Countess_Kittycat

    No, this is not that common. It may or may not be a serious problem, though, so you should really see a doctor to clear things up.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Emona

    Paramore93 is right you should get checked out by a gynecologist because it could very well be ovarian cyst it's not uncommon for it to develop this late in life, polycystic ovarian syndrome is something to be taken serious it can affect you in every way so please don't just take advice from here go to the doctor, I'm also under 20 and I struggle with this so I know what you might be experiencing

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Ellenna

      "This late in life"? She says she's under 20 so what are you talking about?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • MsWVgal

        Develop after puberty would be "later in life." Many women discover they have PCOS when they get changes happening in their 20's.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Nickvey

    have you lost too much weight? are you over 35? the body will find a way to protect itself from pregnancy if the body can't carry to term. you gave no health details.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Oh, sorry. I'll add some in now!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Boojum

    Missing that many periods probably means you meet the formal diagnostic criteria for amenorrhea.

    Several things can cause that, and, yeah, it would be wise to get it checked out.

    http://www.emedicinehealth.com/amenorrhea/article_em.htm

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Thank you, I'll definitely think about seeing what's going on.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • minekraft77

    some people are irregular.... but it could be a sign of something.. have you mentioned it to your doctor?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Not yet, but I'm going to see a doctor about it soon.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Hateful1

    Just going to mention. Certain birth control medication also effects your menstrual cycle. And I knew a gymnast who just worked out allot and had a weird cycle.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Ellenna

      OP says she's NOT on birth control

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • CRAPPUCCINO

    I know it's not normal but I also have the same problem.

    Comment Hidden ( show )