What should I do if my period hasn't come for a month at age 47?
If a 47-year-old woman has missed her period for one month, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause. Common causes include menopause, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), intrauterine adhesions, and pituitary adenoma. Treatment may involve medications or surgery as directed by a physician.
1. Menopause
Women between the ages of 45 and 55 often experience natural menopause due to physiological depletion of ovarian function, leading to cessation of menstruation. This is a normal physiological process and does not require treatment.
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
This condition involves inflammatory changes in the pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It can impair the function of reproductive organs like the ovaries and uterus, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, reduced menstrual flow, or shortened duration of menstruation. Following medical advice, antibiotics such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This gynecological disorder is caused by genetic factors or adverse environmental and lifestyle influences. Most patients suffer from anovulation or infrequent ovulation, which often leads to delayed menstruation or amenorrhea. Hormonal regulation can be achieved with medications such as cyproterone acetate tablets, clomiphene citrate tablets, or dydrogesterone tablets, as prescribed by a doctor.
4. Intrauterine Adhesions
Infections in the uterine cavity can lead to adhesion of the mucosal layers, causing partial or complete blockage of the uterine cavity or cervix. This obstructs menstrual blood flow and may result in decreased menstrual volume or amenorrhea. It is recommended to use anti-infective medications under medical supervision, such as cefaclor tablets, levofloxacin tablets, or metronidazole tablets. In severe cases, surgical separation of the adhesions may be necessary.
5. Pituitary Adenoma
This is a tumor that develops in the pituitary gland and can disrupt its hormone-secreting function, leading to abnormally low levels of gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, and elevated prolactin. As a result, ovarian ovulation function declines, the endometrium fails to shed properly, and prolonged absence of menstruation or reduced menstrual flow may occur. Surgery is a common treatment approach, during which a specialist removes the tumor via transcranial or transnasal routes to control the condition. Maintaining a positive mood, getting adequate rest, and ensuring sufficient nutrition in daily life can enhance treatment outcomes.
Promptly visiting a hospital to undergo appropriate diagnostic tests and receiving targeted treatment under medical guidance plays an important role in promoting recovery.