Nine Reasons for the Absence of Menstruation
Missing your period is often the first sign of pregnancy.
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The second main reason can be breastfeeding; but sometimes it can be as a consequence of other serious diseases. In medical terms, the absence of menstruation is called amenorrhea. There are two types of it:
- Primary—the full absence of menstruation in girls who have reached puberty.
- Secondary—when menstruation is started, but for unknown reasons is absent for more than 6 months.
If you have a lack of menstruation, and you are not breastfeeding, at first, you should do a pregnancy test. In case of a negative result, it is necessary to consult with a doctor, as the delay or complete absence of menstruation is often associated with quite serious problems. Below will look at some of the possible problems that can be the cause of your missed period:
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Since the menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, that’s why a hormonal disorder is the main reason for the menstrual absence. It can be provoked by different factors such as food disorder, stress, and endocrine diseases.
2. Early Menopause
Even if you’re not at the age when menopause often occurs, it can still happen. Usually, amenorrhea is accompanied by all the typical menopause symptoms: hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness etc.
3. Polycystic Ovary
Because of this pathology, the ovaries significantly increase in size, with the hormonal changes, and as a result, reproductive function is disturbed and amenorrhea occurs.
4. Abnormalities in the Reproductive Organs
Often we can talk about congenital abnormalities, for example, ovarian hypoplasia. In this case, amenorrhea is the primary symptom. The vagina can also form a kind of septum, and amenorrhea will be present.
5. Endocrine Diseases
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism often become the reason for menstruation absence. Also, it can be caused by tumor neoplasms in the adrenal glands or obesity.
6. Ectopic Pregnancy
It’s a pathological condition occurring when the fertilized ovum isn’t attached to the wall of the uterus, but, for example, to the fallopian tube. There can be the same symptoms as for pregnancy.
7. Brain Diseases
Tumor diseases, injuries, or other damage of the brain and pituitary gland, same as endocrine, diseases lead to menstruation disorders or can provoke amenorrhea.
8. Bubble Scid
The main characteristic of this pathology is the formation of a tumor on the basis of the ovum, which was previously fertilized, or on the basis of the placenta. A woman has all the signs of pregnancy. It’s a rare case which needs immediate treatment and vaginal biopsy.
9. Anorexia
It’s a progressive weight loss, due to grueling diets or excessive exercise. Often, a woman with anorexia has a psychological disorder expressed in obsessive desire to lose weight. In the absence of adequate nutrition, hormonal regulation is disturbed and menstruation is stopped.
10. Thyroid Dysfunction
Those who have thyroid issues, like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, may experience changes in their menstrual cycle. The thyroid gland produces hormones that are used to regulate different processes of our body and when the balance is disturbed, you may have missed cycles. The good news is there are various treatments for thyroid disorders. You can talk to an endocrinologist for more information.
Possible Sequela
Menstruation isn’t dangerous for your life, but we can't tell the same about its reasons. You should know that a woman, after secondary amenorrhea, has a bigger risk of infertility or anovulation.
If your menstruation is absent for a long time, don’t ignore it, because it can lead to such issues as:
- miscarriage on early periods of pregnancy
- developing of endometrial hyperplastic processes that pose a risk of uterine cancer
- sugar diabetes
- osteoporosis
- reproductive disorders
- cardiovascular pathology
About the Creator
Amelia Grant
I am journalist, and blogger.
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