The lack of menstruation can happen as a result of several factors, such as intense physical exercise, stress, eating disorders or being indicative of pregnancy, for example. The absence of menstruation is normally related to a decrease in estrogen, which can prevent ovulation and the formation of uterine tissue that sheds during menstruation, so there may be menstrual changes such as lack of flow or cycle irregularity.
The lack of menstruation for more than 3 months in a row also happens during pre-menopause, in the first cycles after menarche and does not occur again after surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, not being a worrying situation in most cases. Learn about other causes of late menstruation.
1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the main causes of the absence of menstruation, as due to the implantation of the embryo in the uterus, hormonal changes occur that prevent a new menstrual cycle.
What to do: To confirm pregnancy, it is important to take a beta-HCG test, as it is also possible to check the week of pregnancy according to the circulating levels of this hormone. Find out more about the beta-HCG test.
Furthermore, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out and, if the pregnancy is confirmed, prenatal care can be started.
2. Intense physical exercise
The practice of intense physical activity, as carried out by marathon runners, competitive swimmers or gymnasts, leads to increased levels of endorphins and ACTH in the blood, which can interfere with the levels of female hormones related to the menstrual cycle, which can result in lack of of menstruation.
What to do: In this case, the ideal is to reduce the intensity of training to regulate menstruation again. It may also be interesting to consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist so that hormonal variations can be properly monitored and the need for treatment can be assessed.
3. Stress
Stress can also lead to a lack of menstruation, as it causes an increase in the amount of circulating cortisol, which can interfere with the menstrual cycle.
What to do: To resolve this situation, it is recommended to adopt habits that can help you relax, such as regular physical activity and psychoanalysis sessions, for example. See more simple tips to relieve stress.
4. Eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia or having a diet poor in vitamins can also cause a lack of menstruation as a result of malnutrition, which interferes with hormonal levels.
What to do: It is important that a nutritionist is consulted so that the relationship with food can be improved and changes can be made to the diet to ensure all the nutrients the person needs, which can help regulate menstruation. Furthermore, it is essential that the person receives psychological support so that the cause of the eating disorder can also be treated.
5. Thyroid changes
Changes in the functioning of the thyroid gland, such as hyper or hypothyroidism, can also be a consequence of the lack of menstruation, as they influence the levels of circulating estrogen and progesterone. Check out other symptoms of thyroid problems.
What to do: It is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an evaluation can be carried out and the measurement of thyroid hormones can be recommended. If any changes are observed, the use of medications to regulate thyroid function may be indicated.
6. Use of medications
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, chemotherapy, antihypertensives or immunosuppressants, may have the side effect of the absence of menstruation.
What to do: In this case, it is important to consult a doctor to check whether it is possible to suspend or change the medication without causing harm to your health.
7. Diseases of the reproductive system
The presence of polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, fibroids or tumors in the reproductive system can result in changes in the menstrual cycle, as these are situations in which there is a large variation in the levels of female hormones.
What to do: If the absence of menstruation is due to changes in the female reproductive system, it is important to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor, which may involve the use of medication or a surgical procedure according to the disease being treated.
8. Changes in brain function
Some brain changes, such as poor functioning of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, can also cause the absence of menstruation, because these structures are related to the production and activation of hormones.
What to do: It is important that tests are carried out to help assess the functioning of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
When to go to the gynecologist
It is necessary to go to the gynecologist when:
- The girl does not have signs of puberty until the age of 13, such as lack of pubic or axillary hair growth, no breast growth and no rounding of the hips;
- If menstruation does not start until the age of 16;
- If, in addition to the absence of menstruation, the woman presents other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, sweating, weight loss;
- When a woman is over 40 years old and has not had a period for more than 12 months and has already rejected the chance of pregnancy or has an irregular period.
In either case, the woman should go to the gynecologist, who may indicate the need to do blood tests or perform an ultrasound, to evaluate hormonal values and exclude the existence of any problem or disease in the ovaries, thyroid or supra glands. kidneys. See more details about when to go to the gynecologist.
