Pregnancy is the most well-known cause of absent menstrual periods, which is also known as amenorrhea. Women who have tested negative and are absolutely sure that they are not pregnant may be wondering why they have not gotten a period. There is a chance that irregular periods may indicate a health condition. Here are some of the possible causes of missed menstrual periods to be aware of.
Birth Control Methods May Cause Skipped Menstrual Periods
Certain methods of contraception can cause missed menstrual periods. These methods include Depo-Provera and Plan B. Women on the birth control pill who skip the last week of pills and begin the next month also will not experience a period. Stopping any hormonal method of contraception can cause skipped menstrual periods until ovulation resumes.
PCOS is One of the Most Common Causes of Missed Menstrual Periods
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of irregular menstrual periods. The condition also causes facial hair, obesity and acne. PCOS is one of the causes of skipped menstrual periods because it affects hormone levels and prevents regular ovulation from occurring.
Uterine Scarring Can be the Cause of Skipped Menstrual Periods
Asherman’s syndrome, which is characterized by uterine scarring, is one of the possible causes of missed menstrual periods. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment of uterine fibroids, caesarean sections and dilation and curettage (D&C) can all cause scar tissue damage to the uterus. While some women with this condition may experience irregular menstrual periods, others may experience overly light periods.
Changes in Weight are Common Causes of Missed Menstrual Periods
Changes in weight can contribute to irregular menstrual periods. Women who have lost or gained a lot of weight are prone to the problem. Skipped menstrual periods tend to be common among women with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Changes in menstruation are also common among who exercise too often.
Severe Stress Can Lead to Skipped Menstrual Periods
When a woman experiences severe stress, she is more likely to not experience her menstrual period on time. If a major and devastating event occurs, such as a divorce or a death in the family, irregular menstrual periods may occur. While cancer treatments are thought to cause missed menstrual periods because they put a lot of stress on the body, it is actually because they can lead to premature ovarian failure, which also stops menstruation.
Certain Conditions Can be Causes of Skipped Menstrual Periods
While there are certain medical conditions which can be causes of missed menstrual periods, it is not all that common. Most women will also notice other symptoms and may not even realize that the two problems could be linked. According to Web MD and the Mayo Clinic, some of the conditions which may lead to irregular menstrual periods include:
- Diabetes
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver disease
- Tuberculosis
Similarly, certain medications can be causes of missed menstrual periods. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs and oral corticosteroids are all medications which can cause changes in menstruation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While these are all possible causes of skipped menstrual periods, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. This is the only way to accurately diagnose the problem.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic, “Amenorrhea – Causes” (accessed January 7, 2011).
Web MD, “Missed or Irregular Periods – Topic Overview” (accessed January 7, 2011).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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