It is natural to menstruate every month as a woman of reproductive age. It becomes a problem when you do not menstruate at all.
What causes ceased menstruation? Some people term it as absent menstruation but it is popularly known in medical terms as Amenorrhea.
Amenorrhea can be a very puzzling experience for those who encounter it. In this article, we will demystify this phenomenon and then explore every aspect of it.
Read this article to know all about ceased menstruation (Amenorrhea) including causes, types, the menstrual cycle, and more.
Article Focus
What is ceased menstruation?
The menstrual cycle of a woman
Types of ceased menstruation
Causes of ceased menstruation
How to treat ceased menstruation
Health risks of ceased menstruation
Diagnosing ceased menstruation
When can I see a doctor when suffering from ceased menstruation
Where can I get help from ceased menstruation?
Is it good to miss a period?
Home remedy for ceased menstruation
Can I get my period back?
Is it possible to get pregnant with ceased menstruation?
Can vitamin consumption get my period back?
Which infection can cause ceased menstruation?
What are the effects of not having your period for a long time?
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
The menstrual cycle is a natural phenomenon that occurs every 21 to 35 days in women of reproductive age.
This involves the shedding of the uterine lining that is accompanied by bleeding. It is regulated by the delicate interplay of hormones.
Nevertheless, when this monthly flow of blood ceases, it raises questions and concerns about the reproductive health of a woman.
The absence of menstrual flow in a woman of reproductive age can be caused by several factors such as health-related issues and lifestyle.
For better understanding, let us delve into knowing more about the menstrual cycle. I think with that everyone will better get what amenorrhea.
When you understand the menstrual cycle of a woman, it will be very easy to grasp the intricacies of ceased menstruation (amenorrhea).
The menstrual cycle is characterized by several phases such as:
Follicular phase
Ovulation phase
Luteal
Menstruation
Each of the phases is influenced by hormonal fluctuations orchestrated by the brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the ovaries.
So, the whole process of menstruation is caused by hormones that are orchestrated by the brain.
Therefore, the inability to menstruate is a very great problem.
Types Of Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
Amenorrhea occurs in 3 forms or types. The types include:
Primary Amenorrhea
The absence of the monthly flow of blood of females by the age of sixteen (16) years despite the normal growth of and development of secondary characteristics is what we term Primary Amenorrhea.
This type of ceased menstruation(amenorrhea) can be the result of underlying conditions like hormonal disorders, anatomical issues, or genetic abnormalities.
Secondary Amenorrhea results when menstruation ceases for 3 or more consecutive cycles in a woman who previously had a regular monthly flow.
This can be a result of several factors such as thyroid disorders, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), stress, and too much exercise.
Athletic Amenorrhea is a subset of Secondary Amenorrhea and it occurs in female athletes who engage in intense training regimens.
Severe exercise, high energy expenditure, and low body fat percentage can interrupt hormonal balance, hence, resulting in cessation of menstruation (Amenorrhea).
Causes Of Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
Amenorrhea is not natural but regular menstruation is. If you experience continuous cessation of menstruation, it means there is something wrong.
However, you should note that sometimes it is normal to miss periods once or twice and also it is normal to miss periods especially when breastfeeding, pregnant, or getting to menopausal age.
Aside from the exceptions above, the causes of Ceased menstruation may include:
Rigorous exercise
Unbalanced hormones
Too much stress
Oral contraceptives
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
IUDs
Unhealthy lifestyle such as poor dieting
So how do I treat Amenorrhea? If this is your worry, read below.
How To Treat Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
Is amenorrhea treatable? Yes, you can treat amenorrhea so all hope is not gone when you are suffering from this condition. So how do I treat ceased menstruation?
The best treatment for amenorrhea depends on its underlying cause. Hormonal imbalances can be corrected with:
Appropriate medications
Lifestyle modification (stress reduction)
Proper dieting
However, in the case of athletic amenorrhea, you need to modify exercise routines and also ensure adequate nutrition.
Read More: Understanding Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedy And More
Health Risks Of Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
Can Amenorrhea pose health risks? Yes, amenorrhea can pose certain health risks. Long-term absence of menstruation can lead to:
Osteoporosis
Infertility
Increased risk of cardiovascular
Diagnosing Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
To diagnose amenorrhea needs a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider.
The healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history, and hormonal assays.
He or she will conduct physical examinations, imaging studies, and sometimes specialized tests to bring out the root cause of the ceased menstruation.
When Can I See A Doctor When Suffering From Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
You don’t need to be reluctant or feel complacent when you are not menstruating for a prolonged period.
It is ideal to meet with your doctor for immediate medical attention.
Though it is normal to have irregularities in your monthly flow when there is persistent or prolonged cessation then there is a cause for concern.
It must be ruled out immediately to prevent potential complications.
Where Can I Get Help When Suffering From Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)?
You should always know that when you are grappling with amenorrhea, you are not alone.
You can reach out to a healthcare professional (a personal or family doctor) for guidance and support.
Your healthcare provider can offer you the tailored healthcare that you need. They will help you navigate this journey towards understanding and reclaiming your reproductive health.
Is It Normal To Miss Periods?
It is normal to miss your period once or twice. Weight change, stress, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications can all interfere with the delicate balance of the menstrual cycle, resulting in missed periods.
When your missed period persists, ensure to see a doctor.
Home Remedy For Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
No matter how long your period has been absent, this home remedy will bring it back to its natural state. Just follow my guide in this article.
No hope is gone. If you are the type who loves home remedies then this is a cool chop for you. Here we go:
Ingredients
Garlic
Turmeric
Ginger
Clove
Method
Get 75cl bottle of water, fill them with water
Peel off the skin of your Ginger, Garlic, and turmeric, and cut them into smaller sizes. ( Set the clove aside.)
Then wash them thoroughly and put them one after the other inside the 75cl bottle. Remember to add the clove you've set aside before.
Soak all the combo into the water for 3days. After 3 days start drinking it or if you Pound it then soak 24hrs only
Take half a cup or adjust if needed before breakfast and before bedtime. Comment your testimony when successful after a week.
Can I Get My Period Back?
You can only get your period back when you have treated the ceased menstruation (amenorrhea). You can get your period back by:
Incorporating the home remedy made of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cloves as directed in the article above. There are several other home remedies you can incorporate as well.
Eat healthily and responsibly
Take in herbal supplements
Regular and moderate exercise
Manage stress
Manage weight
Is it Possible To Get Pregnant With Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)?
Yes, you can get pregnant with Amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea means you have not started your period yet and secondary amenorrhea means you have already started but have stopped, sometimes three months and above.
Can Vitamins Consumption Get My Period Back?
Yes, sure the intake of certain vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D and calcium regularly can help bring back periods long ceased.
Eat direct sources of calcium such as tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts, dairy products, and more.
Which Infections Can Cause Ceased Menstruation (Amenorrhea)?
Infections can bring about amenorrhea. Infections such as untreated or chronic chlamydia can progress to PID and can make a woman miss her period or get amenorrhea.
Diagnose and treat infections early to prevent amenorrhea and other reproductive issues.
What Are The Effects Of Not Having Your Period For A Long Time?
Physical Effects
1. Infertility: Prolonged amenorrhea can make it difficult to conceive.2. Bone Loss: Hormonal imbalance can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.3. Increased Risk of Health Conditions: Linked to diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Emotional Effects:
Anxiety and stress, swings, low self-esteem
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get help if I have amenorrhea?
You can get help from the following if you have an amenorrhea doctor, gynecologist, sexual health practitioner, and more.
Summary
Though the ceased period can be disconcerting, it is very important to face it with curiosity rather than fear.
Unscrambling the mysteries of the ceased period (amenorrhea) and finding appropriate medical care and home remedies can empower you to address any underlying issues and prioritize your reproductive well-being.
You will once a while experience missed periods and it is normal.
However, if it persists for long periods, you must hurry to your doctor or healthcare professional.
The article has offered all you need to know about amenorrhea—the cause, treatment, and home remedies for men.
Very strong in-depth