by Dr Agilan Arjunan, Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist, KL Fertility Centre ( Malaysia)
This is a simple basic guide for women with irregular period.
What are absent or irregular periods?
Absent or irregular periods are periods that do not happen at all or that happen less than 6 to 8 times a year. If a woman does not get her period for a while, it might be because she is pregnant. Or in some cases, it might be that she has a medical condition that affects her reproductive system.
What causes absent or irregular periods?
Absent or irregular periods can be caused by:
●Pregnancy
●PCOS (which stands for “polycystic ovary syndrome”). In women with this condition, the ovaries make too much male hormone. This can disrupt a woman’s periods and cause excess facial hair, acne, and problems with weight. PCOS is the most common cause of absent or irregular periods.
●Being too thin or not having enough body fat
●Exercising too much
●Too much prolactin – Prolactin is a hormone made in the “pituitary gland”, which is a small organ at the base of the brain.
●Early menopause – Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she naturally stops having periods. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. But in some women, menopause comes early – before the age of 40. Early menopause happens when the ovaries run out of eggs earlier than normal.
●Certain types of hormonal birth control – Some forms of birth control can cause absent or irregular periods. This is more common with those that contain only the hormone progestin. Examples include the progestin-only pill (sometimes called the “minipill”), the implant, and hormone-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Should I see a doctor or nurse?
See your doctor or nurse if:
●You are older than 15 and still have not had your period
●You used to get periods, but you have not had a period for more than 3 months
●Your periods happen more than 45 days apart
