Is it normal for a woman to miss her period for several months?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
"Menstruation" usually refers to a woman's period. It is not normal for a female to miss her period for several months. This may be due to non-medical factors, but could also be related to certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperthyroidism, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometrial tuberculosis, or pituitary tumors, all of which might cause amenorrhea. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan.
"Menses" usually refers to menstruation. It is an abnormal condition if a woman does not have her period for several months. This could be caused by non-disease factors such as excessive mental stress, or may be related to underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperthyroidism. It is recommended to seek a clear diagnosis and follow medical treatment accordingly. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Non-disease Factors
Excessive psychological stress in daily life can affect the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby disrupting the menstrual cycle. Other factors such as extreme dieting for weight loss, medication-induced hormonal imbalances, or pregnancy may also lead to delayed menstruation or amenorrhea. It is advisable to identify the underlying cause and take appropriate corrective measures.
II. Disease Factors
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Multiple small follicles develop on both ovaries but fail to mature and ovulate normally, resulting in insufficient progesterone production in the body. Menstruation requires the action of progesterone; therefore, lack of progesterone may lead to absent periods. It is recommended to regulate diet, increase physical activity, and follow medical advice to use medications such as progesterone capsules, ethinylestradiol cyproterone acetate tablets, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, or intramuscular injections of progesterone solution for treatment.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Excessive synthesis of thyroid hormones leads to high levels of circulating thyroid hormones, causing hormonal imbalance, which in turn results in ovulatory dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, or amenorrhea. Patients should follow medical guidance to take medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, hydrocortisone acetate tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets. Surgery may be required when necessary.
In addition, other conditions such as premature ovarian insufficiency, endometrial tuberculosis, and pituitary tumors may also cause amenorrhea, all of which are pathological causes. It is recommended to promptly visit a gynecology department at a hospital for evaluation, determine the exact cause, and actively cooperate with medical treatment.
