What Would Happen If A Woman Never Got Her Period?
In medical language, the absence of periods is called amenorrhea. This is not necessarily a sign of early pregnancy. Indeed, many reasons can cause a lack of periods, whether a month or longer; in this article, we’ll explain this phenomenon and the potential consequences.
Types Of Amenorrhea
Doctors recognize the existence of two types of amenorrhea: primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea.
Primary amenorrhea means all cases of amenorrhea in female subjects who, at the age of 16, have not yet had first menstruation but have developed all secondary sexual characteristics ( breasts, pubic hair, etc. ) and all cases of amenorrhea in female subjects who, at the age of 14, have not yet had first menstruation and have not yet developed any secondary sexual characteristics.
Secondary amenorrhea means the absence of menstruation for at least three months in a woman who had never previously suffered from menstrual cycle irregularities and for at least nine months in a woman with a history of oligomenorrhea(a medical term that indicates the lack of regularity of menstruation in women of childbearing age).
What Are The Causes Of Amenorrhea?
In some circumstances, amenorrhea is a normal condition in a woman’s life. Menstruation disappears during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and, in some cases, due to the use of contraceptives.
In other cases, the absence of menstruation can be caused by certain drugs (for example, antipsychotics, chemotherapy, antidepressants, or antihypertensives), stress, being underweight, excessive physical exercise, or hormonal imbalances (polycystic ovary syndrome, hyper- and hypothyroidism, benign pituitary tumors, early menopause).
Amenorrhea can also be due to the presence of adhesions within the uterine cavity (for example, after repeated curettage). Primary amenorrhea is generally due to congenital anomalies of the reproductive system (uterus, ovaries, vagina) or to alterations of the chromosomal map (as occurs, for example, in Turner syndrome).
The Risks Of Not Menstruating
Not getting your period can significantly impact your overall health and fertility. Some potential consequences include:
- Osteoporosis risk – The drop in estrogen levels raises your risk of developing weak, brittle bones later in life.
- Infertility issues – Without ovulation and menstruation, you cannot get pregnant naturally.
- Heart disease risk – Low estrogen may negatively impact your cholesterol levels and heart health.
While you may enjoy not dealing with the hassles of monthly periods, the reality is that a lack of menstruation is often a red flag that something isn’t quite right hormonally. This is why getting evaluated is so important if you miss your period for an extended period.
FAQs
Q: Can birth control cause amenorrhea?
A: Yes, hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch, ring, or shot can sometimes lead to missed periods or a complete lack of menstruation.
Q: Is it safe to use medication to restart my period?
A: Your doctor may prescribe medication to induce a withdrawal bleed if you haven’t had a period in a while. This can provide beneficial uterine lining shedding. However, it’s only a short-term solution; you must address the root cause.
