Hilary, a 16-year-old, is concerned about menstruation. Which question might you ask to address her concerns?

Hilary, a 16-year-old, is concerned about menstruation. Which question might you ask to address her concerns?

• A. Tell me about your alcohol intake
• B. Have any women in your family had ovarian cancer?
• C. What kinds and amounts of food do you eat?
• D. How much sleep do you get each night?

Answer: (C)

Nutritional status and body weight strongly influence menstrual patterns in adolescents, because adequate calories and nutrients support normal hormone production and cycle regularity. Asking about the kinds and amounts of food Hilary consumes directly explores potential nutritional causes of her menstruation concerns, such as insufficient intake or nutrient deficiencies that can disrupt puberty and menses. If the dietary assessment reveals risks or imbalances, you can address nutrition education, screen for iron deficiency, and consider referral to a dietitian or appropriate follow-up. Other questions—about alcohol use, family history of ovarian cancer, or sleep—are less directly tied to menstrual function in a teen, though they remain relevant to overall health.

Nutritional status and body weight strongly influence menstrual patterns in adolescents, because adequate calories and nutrients support normal hormone production and cycle regularity. Asking about the kinds and amounts of food Hilary consumes directly explores potential nutritional causes of her menstruation concerns, such as insufficient intake or nutrient deficiencies that can disrupt puberty and menses. If the dietary assessment reveals risks or imbalances, you can address nutrition education, screen for iron deficiency, and consider referral to a dietitian or appropriate follow-up. Other questions—about alcohol use, family history of ovarian cancer, or sleep—are less directly tied to menstrual function in a teen, though they remain relevant to overall health.