Guest Author - Sharon Bejin

Some women do not menstruate; if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal, then they will not have a period. When this happens for other reasons besides those previously listed, it is called amenorrhoea. When females have amenorrhoea, it indicates that there might be a problem with her reproductive system. One reason women gets amenorrhoea is because of a disruption of their hormones. These hormones get messed up when there is emotional stress, significant weight loss, excessive exercising, or disease of the reproductive system.

For young girls who do not get their period until after the age of 14 and have not developed breasts and pubic hair, they are experiencing primary amenorrhoea. Young women over 16 years of age, even though not developed, also fall into this category. Some women do not get their period for six months and could be experiencing secondary amenorrhoea.

In order for women to have a normal menstrual cycle, the pituitary and hypothalamus glands need to work together. The pituitary gland produces chemicals that stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone. Problems with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands can cause amenorrhoea. Problems with the hypothalamus can crop up if there is emotional stress, weight loss, excessive physical activity, hyperthyroid, or problems with an under active thyroid.

Some other disorders associated with amenorrhoea are: abnormalities of the vagina, polycystic ovaries, ovarian or adrenal growths, increase of hormone called prolactin, and early menopause. Women who do not have a period for any length of time should talk with their doctor about this. There are several tests available to find out why they are not getting a normal period. First, a pregnancy test will rule out the obvious. After that a doctor may do a physical, discuss medical history, check out the hypothalamus and pituitary glands or ovaries, or do an ultrasound of the reproductive system. This way the doctor can rule out a few things.

Whatever the reason, there is treatment for amenorrhoea. For women who exercises excessively, the doctor may tell them to taper off and do a normal amount of exercise. For those who are underweight, a healthy diet may help bring the return of a normal period. Hormone replacement therapies may be recommended to regulate your hormones. Women who have symptoms of amenorrhoea should talk with their doctor.