What To Do If Your Period Stops and You’re Not Pregnant

Amenorrhea—the absence of menstrual periods—does not always signify a serious problem. It may be caused by natural hormonal changes such as menopause or something as common as stress. The key to treating amenorrhea successfully depends upon addressing the underlying cause.

What is the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhea?

Primary amenorrhea occurs when a young woman has not had her first period by the time she turns 16. Secondary amenorrhea happens when a woman who has previously had normal menstruation cycles stops getting her period.  (The Cleveland Clinic).

Primary amenorrhea signifies a change in organs and hormones involved in menstruation. Secondary amenorrhea has a wide variety of causes ranging from pregnancy to stress. (Cleveland Clinic).

In addition, women with amenorrhea may experience other symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Hair loss
• A milky discharge from the nipples
• Pelvic pain
• Development of or increase in facial hair
• Changes in vision
• Acne

“It’s important to realize that amenorrhea does not automatically mean there is a problem. However, it could indicate fertility issues. It’s very important for it to be evaluated because there are so many possible causes.” said Dr. Joshua Hardison. “By arriving at a precise diagnosis, we can begin an effective treatment.”

What are the main causes of amenorrhea?

If you are not pregnant, amenorrhea can be caused by a wide variety of conditions and illnesses such as: (Mayo Clinic)

1. Hormonal imbalances including:
   • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
   • Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
   • A tumor on the pituitary gland.
   • Premature menopause (While menopause typically begins around age 50, some women experience it much earlier.)
2. Weight
   • Those who are more than 10 percent underweight can develop amenorrhea.
3. Medications
   • Certain medications can cause an absence of periods. These include:
     • Birth control –including pills, injections and devices
     • Chemotherapy drugs
     • Medications to treat high blood pressure
     • Certain types of allergy medications
     • Psychiatric medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics
4. Lifestyle factors
   • Those who are under a lot of stress may no longer have periods. This is because stress affects how well the hypothalamus functions. The hypothalamus is part of the brain that regulates hormones which triggers the menstrual cycle.
   • Women who have undergone intense athletic training may have interrupted menstrual cycles.
5. Structural problems with reproductive organs, including uterine scarring.

How is amenorrhea treated?

Effective treatment depends upon the underlying cause. For example, if your period has stopped due to stress, we may recommend some lifestyle changes to help you. Treatment may also involve helping you maintain a healthy weight. Hormonal supplements are another solution.

Our physicians at Chapel Hill OBGYN provide an accurate and timely diagnosis

If you’re not pregnant, the absence of a period can be stressful. Because there are so many possible causes for amenorrhea, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with one of our Chapel Hill gynecologists to determine a course of treatment. We can usually schedule an appointment with you that same week.

For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.

Sources:

The Cleveland Clinic. “Primary and Secondary Amenorrhea.” Online.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3924-amenorrhea

The Mayo Clinic. “Amenorrhea.” Online.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299

National Institutes of Health. “What are the Treatments for Amenorrhea?” Online.
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/treatments