The Tea
Are you worried when you miss your period? Then let me tell you it is quite normal to miss your period once or twice. Unless you are not pregnant or don’t feel anything wrong with your body, such as fatigue, acne, or headache. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, menstrual irregularities occur in 14%-25% of women aged between 20 to 30 years (childbearing age). (1)
But If it goes beyond three, four, five, or six months, then you should be concerned. This medical condition is referred to as secondary amenorrhea which denotes the absence of menstruation for at least three consecutive cycles in a woman who had previously experienced regular periods.
The Brew
Why did my period stop
There are various reasons why periods stop, ranging from normal life transitions such as Pregnancy to underlying medical conditions such as PCOS. But, these are the most common ones. Let’s understand in detail.
Pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The key hormone involved is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the developing placenta. hCG, signals the body to maintain the uterine lining, ensuring it remains receptive to the developing embryo. The uterine lining acts as a protective barrier around the developing embryo, shielding it from external factors that could be harmful.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex and common condition that can significantly impact a woman’s reproductive health. Secondary amenorrhea is one of the prominent signs of PCOS. PCOS disrupts the normal hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone. These high androgen levels can disrupt the balance between estrogen and progesterone, crucial hormones for the menstrual cycle. Without this balance, the uterine lining may not build up properly, leading to amenorrhea. Apart from this, anovulation – the absence of ovulation – is the reason for PCOS. In fact, it is a hallmark of PCOS. When the ovaries fail to release a mature egg, it disrupts the normal hormonal feedback loop that governs the menstrual cycle. Without ovulation, progesterone levels remain low, and the uterine lining does not shed as it does during a typical menstrual cycle, leading to missed periods.
Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body. Elevated levels of stress hormones can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, both of which are crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle. They produce GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone). All of these hormones are essential for a normal menstrual cycle.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills typically contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This hormone suppresses natural hormonal fluctuations. One of the primary mechanisms of birth control pills is the suppression of ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. Without ovulation, there is no need for the uterine lining to be shed, which is what happens during menstruation. It’s important to note that not all women who use birth control pills will experience amenorrhea. Individual responses to birth control can vary.
How to get your period back
You might have come across various remedies for amenorrhea that say to eat papaya, and pineapple, drink apple cider vinegar daily, or eat food mixed with ginger and cinnamon. These types of remedies might work if you haven’t had your period once or maximum twice. But, if you have been experiencing amenorrhea for many months then you should consult with your healthcare provider, especially Gynaecologist or Endocrinologist. They can help identify the underlying cause of amenorrhea through evaluation, medical history, and necessary tests. Depending on the diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatments or interventions. So, it is not advisable to follow such a remedy.
The Pour
Menstruation is a key indicator of a woman’s reproductive health. It signifies that her reproductive system is functioning correctly. The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play vital roles in maintaining bone health, cardiovascular health, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. Menstruation can be viewed as a form of detoxification for the reproductive system. It allows the body to eliminate waste products and substances that are no longer needed.
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