What exactly is amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is a medical term used to describe the absence of menstrual cycles. If you, as a woman, do not have your period for three or more months in a row, we call it amenorrhea. This can have several causes. Sometimes it's a sign of an underlying health problem, such as a hormonal imbalance or thyroid problems. Moreover, it can also occur as a result of stress, extreme weight loss or a strong weight gain.
There are different types of amenorrhea:
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- Primary amenorrhea: This means that a girl aged 16 years or older has never had a period.
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- Secondary amenorrhea: This refers to women who previously had normal menstrual cycles but who have now not had a period for three months or more.
Below is an overview of possible causes and symptoms:
| Causes | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Hormonal imbalance | Irregular or absent menstruation |
| Thyroid problems | Fatigue, weight gain |
| Stress | Sleep problems, anxiety |
Common causes of missed periods
Absence of menstruation, also called amenorrhea, can have various causes. Stress is one of the most common reasons. When you're stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol, which can disrupt your natural menstrual cycle. For example, your period may come later or not occur completely.
Apart from stress, there are other common causes. Here are some examples that occur in many women:
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- Hormone changes – for example during puberty or menopause.
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- Weight changes – both weight loss and weight gain can affect your cycle.
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- Health conditions – diseases such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or thyroid problems.
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- Medication use –some medications, such as antidepressants, have an impact on your menstrual cycle.
| Cause | Effect on the Cycle |
|---|---|
| Stress | Delayed or absent menstruation |
| Weight changes | Irregular menstruation |
How stress and lifestyle affect your cycle
When stress and lifestyle play an important role in your life, this can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. Stress can lead to changes in hormone balance, which can disrupt the natural rhythm of your cycle. This mayresultin ovulation disorders and stressinduced amenorrhea, where you completely miss your period. In addition, there are also other lifestyle factors that can influence your cycle, such as extreme dieting or excessive exercise. The body perceives these situations as stressful, which can lead to similar hormonal disruptions.
Other lifestyle factors that play a role:
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- Irregular eating patterns: Inadequate calorie intake or fasting can affect your hormonal balance.
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- Body weight: Both excessive weight gain and weight loss can disrupt your menstrual cycle.
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- Sleep deprivation: A lack of enough sleep can throw your hormones out of balance.
If your life is full of stress and bad habits, it's not surprising that your menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Adjusting your lifestyle can help enormously to regulate your cycle and prevent amenorrhea.
| Factor | Effect on Cycle |
|---|---|
| Stress | Ovulation disorders |
| Diet | Hormone disruptions |
| Sleep deprivation | Irregular cycles |
When to go to the doctor for amenorrhea
A visit to the doctor may be necessary if you are dealing with amenorrhea. Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, can be caused by several factors. It is important to recognize when it is wise to seek medical attention. First of all, if you have been pregnant for three consecutive cycles or If you have not had a period for longer, it is advisable to make an appointment with your GP or midwife. This may indicate underlying health problems that require further investigation.
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- Sudden weight loss or excessive stress
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- A history of hormonal imbalance
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- Pain in the lower abdomen or other unusual symptoms
Also seek medical attention if you have symptoms that indicate health problems such as hot flushes, night sweats, or unexplained weight gain. A doctor can perform several tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound, to determine the cause of youramenorrhea.
| Symptom | When to go to the doctor |
|---|---|
| No periods for 3+ months | Straight away |
| Severe abdominal pain | Immediately |
| Unexplained weight gain | Fast |
Practical tips to improve your menstrual cycle
| Tip | Action |
|---|---|
| Power supply | Healthy and varied food |
| Stress management | Relaxation exercises, meditation |
| Exercise | Yoga, walking, moderate cardio |
| Supplements | Vitamin D, magnesium |
Resume
If you have read this far, then you now know a lot more about amenorrhea and why your periods can be missed. It is important to realize that there can be many different causes, from hormonal imbalance to stress and medical conditions. Our mission at Midwives Lelystad is to properly inform and guide you so that you receive the best care and attention you deserve.
Do you have any questions or would you like to make an appointment to discuss your situation? We are ready for you! Please feel free to contact us so that we can look together at the best solutions and what next steps you can take.
Remember to take good care of yourself and listen to your body. See you soon at Midwives Lelystad!
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