Amenorrhea: meaning, causes and symptoms

Your menstrual cycle can tell a lot about what’s going on in your body. If your cycle changes or your period suddenly stays away, you will notice it right away. Sometimes a menstruation skips a period due to stress, illness or a busy period. This is more common and usually temporary. If menstruation stays away for several months, doctors speak of amenorrhea. In this article you can read exactly what amenorrhea means, what forms it takes and what the common causes and symptoms are.

What is amenorrhea and what types are there?

Normally, a person with a menstrual cycle has a period about every 21 to 35 days. When menstruation is completely absent or stops for an extended period, amenorrhea may occur. Doctors distinguish between two forms of amenorrhea.

Primary amenorrhea

In primary amenorrhea, a person has never had a period at an age when it would normally be expected. Usually, the first menstruation begins sometime during puberty. When a girl has not menstruated around age 15 or 16, doctors often speak of primary amenorrhea.

Secondary amenorrhea

In secondary amenorrhea, a person has had menstrual periods before, but they suddenly stay away for an extended period of time. This term is often used when menstruation is absent for three months or longer in someone who previously had a regular cycle.

Common causes and symptoms

The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. These hormones are controlled by the brain and work together with the ovaries. Together, they determine when menstruation occurs. When this cooperation is disturbed, menstruation can be delayed. Scientific research shows that several causes can affect this hormonal balance.

Causes

• Pregnancy
• Much or intense exercise
• Severe weight loss or underweight
• Prolonged stress
• Hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Problems with the thyroid gland
• Using or stopping hormonal contraception
• The menopause (menopause)

Symptoms

The main symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. Sometimes other symptoms may occur in addition, depending on the cause. For example:

• Menstruation becomes irregular, sometimes stays away over several months or temporarily stops altogether.
• Sudden heat attacks, often in the face, neck or chest, which may be accompanied by sweating and feeling red.
• A persistent feeling of fatigue or less energy than usual.
• Regular or recurrent headaches that may be related to hormonal changes.
• Hormonal fluctuations can lead to more pimples or changes in the skin.
• More or less hair may grow in certain areas of the body, such as the face or head.
• It may be more difficult to get pregnant because ovulation is irregular or absent.

Not everyone with amenorrhea has additional symptoms. Sometimes the absence of menstruation is the only sign. Therefore, it is wise to contact a doctor when menstruation stays away for a long time.

Even when your cycle changes temporarily, you want to feel as comfortable and free as possible during your period. Beppy products, such as the soft tampons and menstrual cups, are designed to give you extra comfort and freedom of movement during your period. So you can keep doing what you feel comfortable with, even on days when your body needs a little extra attention.

Do you have more questions? Or would you like more advice on our products? You can always contact our customer service for personal advice. We are happy to help you make a choice that suits your body and menstruation!