Amenorrhea: Why Your Period Stopped and What to Do
Missing a period can feel alarming. Amenorrhea simply means your monthly bleed stopped. That can happen for lots of reasons — from pregnancy to stress, hormonal issues, or changes in weight and exercise. The good news: many causes are treatable once you know what’s behind it.
Common causes of amenorrhea
Start with the obvious: take a pregnancy test if you’re sexually active. If that’s negative, consider these frequent causes:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Often causes irregular or missed periods plus acne, weight gain, or excess hair. Blood tests and an ultrasound usually help confirm it.
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea: Seen in people who lose weight quickly, over-exercise, or have high stress. The brain reduces signals to the ovaries so periods stop.
- Thyroid problems and high prolactin: Imbalances in these hormones can stop periods. A simple blood test checks them.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency: When ovarian function declines early, periods may stop and fertility can be affected. Your doctor will check FSH and estradiol.
- Uterine or outflow problems: Scarring from surgery or a condition called Asherman’s can block bleeding. Imaging and gynecologic exam help find this.
Tests, initial steps, and what to expect
If your period is missing, here’s a simple plan you can follow before or during a clinic visit:
- Track and document: Note the date your last period started and any symptoms like weight change, mood shifts, nipple discharge, or hot flashes. This helps your provider.
- Basic tests: pregnancy test, TSH (thyroid), prolactin, FSH and LH, and a basic metabolic panel. If PCOS is suspected, fasting glucose or HbA1c and testosterone levels may be checked.
- Pelvic ultrasound: Useful to look at ovaries and uterus if hormone tests are unclear or if there’s pelvic pain.
- Bone health: If amenorrhea lasts many months, low estrogen can weaken bones. Your provider may discuss bone density testing and preventive steps.
Treatment depends on the cause. For PCOS, lifestyle changes and sometimes metformin or hormonal birth control help regulate cycles. For hypothalamic amenorrhea, gradual weight gain, cutting back on intense exercise, and stress reduction often restore periods. Thyroid or prolactin imbalances are treated with medication. If fertility is the goal, different strategies apply than if the aim is simply to restore bleeding.
If you’ve missed three consecutive periods (or have never had a period by age 15), or you notice strong symptoms like sudden weight loss, severe pelvic pain, or heavy nipple discharge, see a clinician. Quick testing can narrow down causes and start the right treatment.
Amenorrhea can be frustrating, but knowing what to check and acting early makes a big difference. Keep notes, get a pregnancy test, and book a visit if you don’t see improvement within a cycle or two.
Lifestyle Modifications for Managing Amenorrhea Naturally
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, can be influenced by various lifestyle factors. By understanding these influences, women can make informed changes to their daily routines to help manage the condition effectively. This article explores different lifestyle adjustments, from diet and stress management to exercise and sleep, which can support menstrual health. Discover practical tips and interesting insights for a more balanced life.
- January 23 2025
- Tony Newman
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