Causes of Amenorrhea

In general, women of childbearing age experience menstruation once a month, lasting anywhere from three to seven days—this is considered normal. However, due to various environmental, psychological, dietary, or other factors, some women may experience amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which warrants attention as it may indicate an underlying medical condition. So, what are the possible causes of amenorrhea? Below, we address this question.

Causes of Amenorrhea

1. Excessive Dieting

With growing emphasis on physical appearance—especially among young women—many resort to extreme weight-loss measures to achieve a slender figure. In fact, scientifically sound and appropriate weight-loss methods are crucial. Some individuals, however, engage in uncontrolled and excessive caloric restriction, leading to nutritional deficiencies. For instance, avoiding staple carbohydrates entirely during dieting can disrupt menstrual function and result in amenorrhea. Additionally, heightened psychological stress may disturb endocrine balance and interfere with the normal menstrual cycle.

2. Gynecological Inflammation

Conditions such as cervicitis, endometritis, cervical erosion, salpingo-oophoritis (adnexitis), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) not only impair normal menstrual flow but may also cause lower abdominal pain. Affected individuals should seek gynecological evaluation at a hospital and initiate timely, physician-guided treatment. Moreover, chronic systemic illnesses—including chronic hepatitis and hematologic disorders—can compromise overall physiological homeostasis and lead to amenorrhea. Thyroid dysfunction, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, may also cause menstrual cessation.

3. Medication-Related Factors

Certain medications may induce amenorrhea—for example, long-term use of oral contraceptives, chemotherapy agents, or antipsychotic drugs. Furthermore, in women with regular sexual activity, sudden cessation of menses accompanied by lower abdominal pain may suggest early pregnancy; serum β-hCG testing is recommended to confirm diagnosis and guide subsequent management. Additionally, medications may impair normal physiological functions, thereby disrupting endocrine regulation and resulting in amenorrhea. Physiological amenorrhea also occurs during lactation and after menopause.

The above outlines common causes of amenorrhea. We hope this information is helpful to you.