We have discussed heavy period flow extensively here on the Healthy Ebony Woman. In this blog post, I would like us to talk about regular questions asked by women including why do their period stop? Remember, this information is to help you know when to seek further medical advice and support.
Why Did My Period Stop (Amenorrhoea)
The following are a few reasons why your period stops spontaneously, gradually, or becomes significantly lighter in its flow:
Pregnancy:
The most common and obvious cause is pregnancy, and this is pretty self-explanatory. If you are sexually active regardless of using contraception or not, the first thing I would suggest you do is to check for pregnancy. It is easy and quick to do.
Body Weight:
This accounts for approximately 20-40% of amenorrhoea cases.
- Excessive and rapid weight loss or weight gain
- Low body weight or BMI, especially due to eating disorders
- High intensity exercises as seen in professional athletes or dancers
- In some instances, obesity.
In the aforementioned circumstances, the hypothalamus- LH and FSH relationship is affected. This leads to low level of oestrogen hence no ovulation and the woman has amenorrhoea.
If this lasts for more than six months, especially in the younger ladies it can have a negative impact on the development of their bones which increases the risk of osteoporosis in the future.
The main advice for these ladies is to re-assess their exercise regime, especially if they are not having periods and wish to conceive. Weight management, if possible, with a dietitian’s support.
Prompt and early referral to the fertility specialist is also recommended.
High prolactin Level
Prolactin is a hormone that helps with the development of breasts and production of milk during lactation. This causes 10-20% of loss of menstruation (amenorrhoea). The following are possible causes of high level pf prolactin:
- Underactive thyroid
- Prolactin secreting tumour
- Sustained level of stress
The LH and FSH system that regulates ovulation and menstruation, is turned off. Impacts are no period, dry vagina and low sex drive.
Treating the underlying cause of the raised level is advised, please speak with a health care professional.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Approximately 6-10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS. The actual cause is not yet fully known, there might be an element of genetics, however not fully understood yet.
Multiple cysts are present in the ovaries, associated with increased insulin resistance and high levels of testosterone, male hormone. The syndrome is also characterised by:
- Irregular menstrual cycle, usually less than nine per year
- Weight gain or difficulty to lose weight.
- Facial hair and acne
- Infertility. PCOS accounts for 75 percent of infertility in women who are infertile due to not ovulating.
It is also important to note that some women with multiple cysts in their ovaries (polycystic ovary, PCO) and normal levels of testosterone, continue to ovulate and have a regular menstrual cycle.
Adolescent ladies tend to have multiple cysts/ follicles in their ovaries, which are not necessarily problematic.
Weight management is crucial and early referral to the fertility specialist for women who wish to conceive. Also, essential to note is that due to the insulin resistance, women with PCOS have a risk of developing diabetes in the future.
If no period persists, there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Uterine Abnormalities
The following can lead to your period stopping:
- Endometrium (lining of the womb) ablation is a procedure to thin out and destroy the lining of womb to treat heavy periods.
- Excessive curettage during termination of pregnancy.
Menopause or Primary Ovarian Failure (Early Menopause)
Menopause is an inevitable biological occurence where permanent cessation of our monthly menstrual period happens. There is a build up to it and this happens in stages, you can read up in my menopause blog post.
Early Menopause is when the follicles (eggs) in the ovaries diminish or disappear before the age of 40. Here is a blog post I wrote on this topic.
For these women the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be needed for bone protection. If you have the desire to conceive, then see a fertility specialist for possible assisted conception.
How Do I Postpone My Period
You may want to stop your period for a little while for various reasons: travelling is the most common reason amongst many others.
If you are taking combined oral contraceptives, you can postpone your period by missing the pill free week and continue with the next month’s pills.
Another way is by contacting your health professional and a form of progestogen-only pill can be given for a short period of time to stop your period temporarily.
How Do I Stop A Month-Long Period
If your period is lasting longer than usual, especially for a month, then I would suggest having it checked. There might be an underlying condition that will require medical attention. Please read more on the causes of heavy and prolonged periods here.
I hope you have found the information here quite useful. I would love to hear from you and please share with someone you know will benefit from it.
