Posted on 20th September, 2023 at 5:56:42 AM
The usual period cycle for the majority of women happens every 28 days, sometimes slightly shorter or longer, for instance, 22 to 40 days, which is also common.
But some women might experience irregular menstrual cycle (the time length and heaviness of which can change each time) or a deficiency in the menstrual cycle. The cycle can even stop which is a condition known as “amenorrhea” and there are two forms – primary and secondary.
Primary amenorrhea is when a girl is 15 but still hasn’t started menstruating. Secondary amenorrhea is when a woman who has a normal menstrual cycle, suddenly stops for a long period of time.
There are multiple reasons why you might experience these conditions. Let’s identify them and learn more about them.
Some of the common causes that could potentially stop menstruation are-
Some other reasons could be-
Let’s talk about in detail about all these conditions, and have a better understanding of how to treat each of these problems.
Starting with-
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most common reason for the stoppage of the menstrual cycle. If you are sexually active and your period is not coming, there is a chance that you might be pregnant. Wait a couple of days, if it still doesn’t occur naturally, do a pregnancy test yourself, and confirm whether you’re pregnant or not and Consult with your doctor.
Genetic abnormality
Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome are directly responsible for absent or delayed menstruation. In some cases, there might be structural problems involved in reproductive organs which can also cause the menstruation cycle to stop.
Hormonal imbalance
If there is a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, it can result in hormonal imbalance in the body which may prevent the menstrual cycle from happening.
Also, overactive and underactive thyroids both are directly responsible for the period stoppage.
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that help the menstrual cycle to regulate properly. Imbalances of the hormones in the body will affect the menstrual cycle.
Excessive stress
When your body is heavily stressed, your menstrual cycle is likely to become either longer or shorter. Your periods might even stop altogether. It can even become more irritating and painful if you’re under constant stress.
In such a situation, rather than panicking and going for medications, get some rest, make up some time for yourself to relax. Try going for yoga, and breathing exercises, it will help your body relax. You can also try bodily exercises like jogging, swimming, and stretching.
Abrupt weight loss
Abrupt weight loss is one of the main reasons for period stoppage. Women who are underweight (BMI below 18), will experience amenorrhea.
If you are underweight, you’ll probably be advised by your GP to consult with a dietitian so that you can gain weight safely without any future risks like hypothyroidism, which can also be a cause of absent periods.
Excessive exercise
Similarly, if you lose too much bodyweight in a short period, doing excessive workouts, you might experience an absent period.
Don’t push yourself too much. The stress level your body can get, through excessive exercise, can affect the follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen. This in terms can affect your periods.
Consult with sports medicine experts if you are a professional athlete, and your periods are disrupted. Typically you’ll be advised to take rest and lessen the time of your exercise schedule for some time.
Obesity
Obesity or being overweight is also directly associated with menstrual problems. It can result in having irregular periods, sometimes heavy or scanty; your periods can also stop.
The reason for this is obese women have a BPI of 30 or even more, and in such conditions, the body produces excess estrogen which is one of the key hormones that regularizes the women’s reproductive system. Having too much of this hormone will affect how frequently you have your periods.
Consult with your GP and he/she might as well refer you to a dietitian so that you can get back to your normal body weight safely.
In the cases of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, you may be referred to an expert by your GP.
Contraceptive pills
It is common to miss a period if you are taking contraceptive pills, but some contraceptives use progestogen which can sometimes result in a period stoppage. Although, your periods should return to normal after you stop taking the medication.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition where a woman has a hormonal imbalance (high androgen level which is a male hormone). Women with this condition tend to develop an extensive amount of unfledged follicles and because of that they fail to release the eggs and the ovulation doesn’t happen.
However, this condition is considered common among women of reproductive age.
In addition to all of these factors, there might be some other issues involved in irregular or absent periods like birth defects, tumors, womb infections, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, etc.
You will also experience permanent period stoppage at the age of 41 to 55; this is known as Menopause and it is natural. For some people though it can happen before the age of 40. This is called premature menopause.
See your doctor if your periods are absent for three months straight, if you are often experiencing periods late or too early, or if you suspect that you have any imbalances in your body.
Even if you have some serious issues, now you have a brief idea of what it could be. Consult with your doctor accordingly. Take rest; relax. It will help you with minor problems and as well as complex issues.
