Why has my menstruation stopped at age 43?

As the reproductive organs mature, women produce one egg per month. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, it disintegrates and is expelled from the body during menstruation—a process that also aids in eliminating toxins from the female body. Consequently, prolonged absence of menstruation is commonly attributed to pregnancy. Additionally, women entering menopause experience cessation of menstrual periods. So, why might a 43-year-old woman stop having her period? Below, we address this question.

Why Has Menstruation Stopped at Age 43?

1. Menopause

The cessation of menstruation at age 43 may indicate the onset of menopause. Typically, natural menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55; however, early menopause at age 43 is possible—particularly in cases of chronic work-related stress or frequent sleep deprivation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for diagnostic testing, including sex hormone panel (six hormone assays) and pelvic ultrasound, to assess ovarian function and hormonal status, and to rule out conditions such as ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors.

2. Uterine Disorders

Common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, and infections of the reproductive tract. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and intrauterine adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome), on the other hand, typically lead to oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), hypomenorrhea (light periods), or amenorrhea (absence of periods). Furthermore, chronic systemic illnesses—including chronic hepatitis and hematologic disorders—may disrupt normal physiological homeostasis and result in amenorrhea. Thyroid dysfunction—either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism—is another well-recognized cause of menstrual disturbances.

Additional Information: Managing Menstrual Irregularities

1. Pharmacological Management

Treatment should be tailored to the underlying cause. For menstrual irregularities stemming from hormonal imbalances or endocrine dysfunction, hormonal therapy may be indicated—for example, progestins (e.g., progesterone, dydrogesterone) or estrogens (e.g., estradiol valerate, estradiol benzoate). However, these medications must be prescribed and closely monitored by a qualified physician.

2. Dietary Modifications

Women with menstrual irregularities should avoid cold, raw, spicy, or acidic foods and increase their intake of warm water. For those with “excess heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept associated with symptoms such as heavy or early periods), fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended before menstruation, while pungent, heat-inducing foods—such as scallions, garlic, leeks, and ginger—should be avoided. For individuals presenting with qi and blood deficiency (manifesting as light, delayed, or absent periods), nutritional supplementation is advised, including milk, eggs, soy milk, pork liver, chicken, and lamb.

3. Lifestyle Adjustment

Chronic sleep deprivation and excessive physical or mental fatigue can adversely affect menstrual regularity. Therefore, women experiencing menstrual disturbances should maintain consistent daily routines, avoid staying up late, ensure adequate sleep, and balance work with rest. Moreover, emotional stress can disrupt both menstrual cycles and hormonal secretion, potentially establishing a vicious cycle.

The above outlines potential reasons for amenorrhea at age 43. We hope this information is helpful to you.