Absence of Periods (amenorrhea)

There are many different reasons for lack of menstruation. Stress can be an enormous contributing factor; inadequate nutrition or excessive exercising can cause a missed period or periods. Eat properly and concentrate on those foods and herbs that nourish the body and help alleviate the stress in your life. The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy. If a woman is not pregnant, then the cause must be identified. There are a number of hormonal conditions that must be eliminated such as thyroid disease, elevated prolactin, and premature menopause. The uterus must also be considered as a possible source of the problem. Certain surgical procedures of the uterus and cervix may lead to scarring which can obstruct the menstrual outflow. If you know that you're not pregnant but you have not menstruated for three months, a consultation with your gynecologist should be arranged.

If the amenorrhea is a result of low estrogen levels, it may put you at increased risk of accelerated bone loss and cardiovascular disease, as is the case in a menopausal woman. After a thorough history, your doctor may do blood tests to determine hormone levels. Imbalances may signal impending menopause; if you're over 40, that's a likely reason your period has stopped, but it can happen to younger women as well and in that case it is better if you go in for hormone replacement.

The contents of this Web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical advice. You should consult your physician or family doctor immediately with any problem about which you are concerned.