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eMed previously Babylon Health

Amenorrhoea

Amenorrhoea is the medical term used to describe the absence or stopping of periods. There are a number of reasons why a woman’s period might be late, or missed altogether – these can range from pregnancy and menopause to medical conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or lifestyle factors like sudden weight loss. If your menstrual cycles are becoming longer, or if you think you’re missing periods altogether, speak to one of our GPs, or your own GP, for confidential advice and support.


Causes of amenorrhoea

There are many reasons why a woman might experience missed or absent periods, including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Medication side effects
  • Lifestyle factors including excessive exercise, stress or low body weight
  • Hormonal imbalances, such as due to PCOS or thyroid disease
  • Genetic causes

Many of the causes of amenorrhoea can be treated. Speak to a doctor today for more advice.


Symptoms of amenorrhoea

The regular menstrual cycle is around 28 days – some women experience slightly longer or shorter cycles. If your cycle has become noticeably longer, or if you’ve not had a period for six months (and you are not pregnant), you should see a doctor about the cause of your amenorrhoea.

Other symptoms that often accompany amenorrhoea include unwanted hair growth, acne, weight gain and a deepening of the voice in some cases.


Treatment for amenorrhoea

The treatment for amenorrhoea will depend on the root cause of the problem. GPs can offer support and advice regardless of the cause. For example, if lifestyle factors are affecting your menstrual cycle, a GP can help you to make changes to hopefully improve your symptoms. If amenorrhoea is being caused by another medical problem, a GP will be able to assess this and undertake necessary investigations or referrals to specialists. If you have amenorrhoea, please discuss with a GP for a full consultation.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.