What exactly is amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is a medical term used to describe the absence of menstrual cycles. When a woman does not menstruate for three or more months in a row, this is called amenorrhea. This can have several causes. Sometimes it is a sign of an underlying health problem, such as a hormonal imbalance or thyroid problems. In addition, it can also occur as a result of stress, extreme weight loss or just a strong weight gain.
There are different types of amenorrhea:
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- Primary amenorrhea: This means that a girl aged 16 or older has never menstruated.
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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 longer.
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
The absence of menstruation, also called amenorrhea, can have several 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. This may cause your period to come late or not at all.
Besides 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 Ovarian Syndrome) or thyroid problems.
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- Medication use – some medications, such as antidepressants, impact 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 a major role in your life, it 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 can result in ovulation disorders and stress-induced amenorrhea, where your period stops altogether. In addition, there are other lifestyle factors that can affect your cycle, such as extreme dieting or excessive to play sports. 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: Insufficient 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 adequate sleep can throw your hormones out of balance.
When your life is full of stress and bad habits, it's no surprise that your menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Making changes to your lifestyle can go a long way toward regulating your cycle and preventing amenorrhea.
| Factor | Effect on Cycle |
|---|---|
| Stress | Ovulatory disorders |
| Diet | Hormonal Disruptions |
| Sleep deprivation | Irregular cycles |
When to see a 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 not had a period for three consecutive cycles or more, 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 flashes, night sweats, or unexplained weight gain. A doctor may perform severaltests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound, to determine the cause of your amenorrhea.
| Symptom | When to see a doctor |
|---|---|
| No period 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've read this far, you now know a lot more about amenorrhea and why your period may be late. It's important to realize that there can be many different causes, from hormonal imbalance to stress and medical conditions. Our mission at Verloskundigen PuurBegin is to keep you informed and guided so that you get 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 here for you! Feel free to contact us so that we can look together at the best solutions and what next steps you can possibly take.
Don't forget to take good care of yourself and listen to your body. See you soon at Verloskundigen PuurBegin!
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