Amenorrhea

Normally, the uterine lining builds up and is shed each month during a woman’s period. With amenorrhea, this process does not happen.

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. Thisis when a girl has not had her first period by age 15.

• Secondary amenorrhea. This is when:

  • A girl or woman who has been having normal periods stops getting them for 3 months in a row

  • A girl or woman 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 healthcare provider will discuss choices with you as needed.