I am 19 years old and no longer get periods. My menstrual cycle has never been regular. When it was "consistent" 6 or 7 years ago, it came every 6ish weeks (heavy flow, very painful, and lasted a full 2-3 weeks) but would never cycle more than half a year.
3 or 4 years ago, the extreme periods stopped. I have had 1 or 2 in the timespan. I shrugged it off the whole time because the lack of a period was easier to deal with than having one. I blamed my depression and extreme stress for the irregularity. Recently, I started to wonder if it was doing harm to my body. The stress and mental illnesses are factors, of course, but it's taking a toll on my long term goals.
-I don't exercise (I have no energy, I am EXTREMELY tired 24/7!)
-I am not sexually active and never have been (I have never had a sex drive. I feel this is also a symptom)
-No illegal drug use
-No unhealthy eating habits
-Never used birth control
-No weight gain/loss
I am scheduling an appointment with an OBGYN soon, but I would like to have some knowledge beforehand as to any guesses of what the problems are.
Thanks!
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Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER. So glad that you have scheduled an appointment with a gynecologist.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a balance of hormones. They are follicle-stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone, which are produced by the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone, which are primarily produced by the ovaries.
During periods of stress, your hypothalamus, a tiny region at the base of your brain, sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol will curb functions that would be considered nonessential, the menstrual cycle being one. High cortisol levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause irregular menstrual cycles as well.
I think you will find helpful information on the EmpowHER Amenorrhea home page
https://www.empowher.com/condition/amenorrhea/definition
Regards,
January 30, 2015 - 10:26amMaryann
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