Amenorrhea

Menstruation occurs when a woman sheds the lining of her uterus. It's also called a period. For most women, this happens once a month. But some women may not get their periods. This is called amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea may be due to a number of causes. These include:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.

• Hormone problems.

• Emotional stress.

• Very low body weight.

• Exercising too much.

• Poor nutrition or eating disorders.

• Taking certain medicines.

• Having certain birth defects or genetic disorders.

There are 2 types of amenorrhea:

• Primary amenorrhea. This is when a female has not had her first period by age 15.

• Secondary amenorrhea. This is when:

  • A female who has been having normal periods stops getting them for 3 months in a row.

  • A female who has been having irregular periods stops getting them for 6 months in a row.

One or more tests can be done to find out why you’re not having periods. These include blood tests and imaging tests. Once the cause is found, it may be treated. Treatments can range from lifestyle and diet changes to medicines, procedures, or surgery. Your doctor will discuss choices with you as needed.