Absence of periods (amenorrhea)

The absence of periods or menstrual flow is called amenorrhea. It may happen for many reasons. Amenorrhea is of most concern when a young woman does not start her periods by age 16. This may happen if the sex organs did not form normally or are not functioning correctly.

A more common problem is the absence of periods after menstruation begins in the teen years. The causes include:

• pregnancy

• drugs, like birth control pills

• chronic diseases, like diabetes or thyroid disease

• physical or emotional stress

• anorexia

• extreme exercise

• severe weight loss and

• hormone imbalances, including the start of menopause after age 40

Your healthcare provider will usually be able to offer help. You may need a careful history, exam, and some lab tests. Hormone medications may be used as part of your treatment. Treatments will depend on your desire for having children, the stage of your life, and possible problems that may result from no treatment. The goal is to keep your lifestyle healthy for your entire life.

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