Amenorrhea happens when you miss your monthly menstrual periods. Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding.
It’s normal not to have a period during pregnancy or after menopause. But if you miss periods at other times, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue.
There are two main types of amenorrhea. Those who haven’t begun to menstruate by age 15 may have primary amenorrhea. The term also applies to abnormalities in the reproductive tract that prevent menstrual bleeding.
If you miss your monthly period for 3 straight months after having regular cycles for the previous 9 months, you may have secondary amenorrhea. This type of amenorrhea is more common.
Causes of amenorrhea
Amenorrhea has many potential causes.
For instance, primary amenorrhea can result from structural problems with your sex organs. It may be a sign of underdeveloped or malfunctioning ovaries.
Issues with your pituitary or thyroid glands can result in secondary amenorrhea. When working properly, these glands produce the hormones needed for menstruation.
Other possible causes of secondary amenorrhea include:
obesity
malnutrition
anorexia nervosa
extreme weight loss
exercising too much
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
ovarian cancer
noncancerous ovarian cysts
uterine scarring from D and C (dilation and curettage)
removal of your ovaries or uterus
issues with your thyroid gland
hormonal imbalances
stress or depression
use of certain drugs, such as some antipsychotics
Natural causes of secondary amenorrhea include:
pregnancy
breastfeeding
menopause
Starting, stopping, or changing birth control can also affect your menstrual cycle.
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