My Journey with Cushing’s disease
At 30 years old, I was fit, healthy and naturally a size 8–10. I knew my body well, which is why, when it started to
Are you wondering why your period suddenly stopped?
Many women keep track of their menstrual cycle through manual charting or making a rough estimate of when they can next expect their “monthly visit.”
A regular menstrual cycle typically signifies a well-functioning reproductive system. If your period suddenly stops or you miss your monthly menstruation, it may indicate an underlying health issue.
Before determining possible reasons and conditions behind your missing period, let’s first determine if your cycle is usually regular or irregular. A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts 21 to 35 days, with bleeding lasting 2 to 7 days.
On the other hand, an irregular menstrual cycle refers to variations or abnormalities in the menstrual bleeding pattern. Some reasons behind an irregular cycle include use of contraceptives, a previous surgery, or health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
It’s essential to note that occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are common and may not necessarily indicate a serious underlying issue.
While missing periods (amenorrhoea) can happen from time to time, particularly during periods of high stress or significant hormonal changes, prolonged non menstruation calls for a medical professional’s assessment to identify the underlying cause.
You may not be getting your period for one or more of the following reasons:
Pregnancy is one of the most frequent causes of missing periods. Pregnancy may be a possibility if you are engaging in unprotected sexual activity and your menstrual cycle is taking longer than usual. It is also possible if you are using contraception as no contraceptive is 100% effective.
Even if you see some bleeding or spotting, you cannot rule out pregnancy. Spotting is among the early signs of an embryo’s uterine implantation. Pregnancy can only be ruled out or confirmed with the use of a pregnancy test and a medical examination.
Chronic or severe stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to changes in hormone levels and menstrual irregularities. High stress levels, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, can affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle.
Another reason why you’re missing your period related to stress could be having an inadequate amount of sleep.
The regular functioning of your menstrual cycle can be disrupted by hormone imbalances, such as those brought on by illnesses like PCOS or thyroid abnormalities.
Inconsistent menstruation or amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) is a common result of hormonal abnormalities.
While regular physical activity is always a good way to keep our bodies healthy, an excessive exercise regimen can do more harm than good for your reproductive health.
Excessive or intense physical activity can interfere with menstruation cycles and hormone levels, particularly when accompanied by a poor diet.
Women who compete in sports or who follow intense training regimens may develop amenorrhea from exercise, which causes their periods to stop.
Certain forms of contraception, such as hormonal birth control methods like the birth control pill or hormonal IUDs, can alter hormone levels and affect menstrual patterns.
Some individuals may experience changes in their periods, including lighter bleeding or the complete stopping of their period, while using these contraceptives.
Meanwhile, if you’ve recently stopped or removed your long-term contraceptive, it may take a while for your hormone levels to go back to normal and for your period to return.
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and chemotherapeutic drugs might also cause side effects that affect hormone levels and menstrual regularity. If you have recently begun or changed medications and are experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, visit your doctor for advice.
Are you trying to hit your goal weight but have noticed that your period has suddenly stopped?
Large fluctuations in weight, such as a quick increase or decrease, might mess with the menstrual cycle and hormone levels. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, can cause amenorrhea and the cessation of periods owing to hormonal changes.
In certain situations, women can experience early menopause, where their periods stop before the age of 40. Genetics, autoimmune problems, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy can all contribute to early menopause.
If you suspect early menopause, do see your doctor for an examination and treatment.
It is important to note that absent menstruation for long periods of time can have an impact on your long-term health.
Missing periods can reduce your chances of falling pregnant, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, increase the risk of early onset osteoporosis (brittle bone disease), and cause premature menopause.
Absent menstruation can also increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer (uterine cancer/womb cancer) due to the womb lining thickening and not shedding.
Do not be alarmed, but it is advisable to track your periods and visit your doctor if you have concerns about your cycle so appropriate treatment and support can be found to help reduce these risks.
While missing your period might be worrying, it’s important to recognize that a variety of reasons can lead to menstrual abnormalities. Speaking with a healthcare professional can help you figure out the underlying reason for your irregular periods and the best course of action.
References:
Better Health Channel. Absent periods – amenorrhoea. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstruation-amenorrhoea
Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology
chapelhillobgyn.com/blog/why-have-my-periods-stopped/
Healthline – Why Does My Period Start, Stop, and Then Start Again?
healthline.com/health/period-starting-and-stopping
Medical News Today – What causes a period to start and stop?
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