Irregular Menstrual Periods / No Periods – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Irregular Menstrual Periods / No Periods – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

Irregular menstrual periods or the absence of periods, also known as amenorrhea, are common issues affecting women of all ages. These conditions can indicate underlying health concerns and may impact fertility, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. Understanding the causes and receiving timely treatment is essential for managing these menstrual irregularities.

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Periods / No Periods

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder in women that leads to irregular periods, excess hair growth, and ovarian cysts.
• Pregnancy: The most common reason for a missed period in women of reproductive age is pregnancy, which causes hormonal changes that stop menstruation.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt the menstrual cycle by affecting hormonal balance.
• Stress: High levels of physical or emotional stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting the hypothalamus, which regulates the menstrual cycle.
• Excessive Exercise: Intense physical activity or over-exercising can lead to low body fat and disrupted hormonal levels, causing missed or irregular periods.
• Low Body Weight or Eating Disorders: Significant weight loss or eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia can lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition where a woman’s ovaries produce an excess of male hormones, which disrupts regular ovulation and leads to irregular periods.
• Perimenopause: The transitional period before menopause, typically in women aged 40-50, can lead to changes in menstrual cycle regularity.
• Uterine Disorders: Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis can cause irregular bleeding or missed periods due to structural abnormalities in the uterus.
• Medications: Certain medications, particularly birth control or hormonal treatments, can alter menstrual cycles, leading to irregular periods or missed periods.
• Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, and autoimmune disorders may affect the hormonal system and cause menstrual irregularities.

Diagnosis of Irregular Menstrual Periods / No Periods

A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause of irregular or missed periods. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Understanding menstrual history, lifestyle factors, stress levels, and health conditions can help identify potential causes.
• Blood Tests: Hormonal blood tests are often conducted to check for thyroid imbalances, pregnancy, ovarian reserve, and other conditions affecting menstruation.
• Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound can detect conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, or structural abnormalities in the uterus that may affect menstrual cycles.
• Pap Smear: A screening test to check for cervical cancer or infections that could be affecting the menstrual cycle.
• Endometrial Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the uterine lining may be taken to check for abnormal growths or cancer.
• Hysteroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the uterus and identify issues like fibroids or polyps.
• Laparoscopy: A procedure used to diagnose endometriosis or other pelvic conditions that may cause menstrual irregularities.

Treatment for Irregular Menstrual Periods / No Periods in Dubai

By addressing the root cause of irregular or absent periods, women can regain hormonal balance and regularity in their menstrual cycles. At Emirates Hospitals Group, our specialists offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating menstrual irregularities, ensuring personalized care for each patient.

Treatment for irregular or missed periods depends on the underlying cause and the individual’s health goals, including fertility concerns. Common treatment options include:

• Hormonal Therapy:
  • Birth Control Pills: Hormonal birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles, particularly in cases of PCOS, stress-related irregularities, or perimenopause.
  • Progestin Therapy: For women with absent periods (amenorrhea) or irregular cycles, taking progestin can help trigger menstruation.
  • Hormonal IUD: An intrauterine device that releases hormones to regulate periods and reduce symptoms of heavy or irregular bleeding.
  • Estrogen Therapy: For women with low estrogen levels due to menopause, estrogen supplements may help regulate periods and alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels, which may improve menstrual regularity.
  • Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in moderate physical activity can help regulate hormonal balance and improve menstrual cycles.
  • Addressing Eating Disorders: For women with eating disorders, seeking counseling and support is important to restore normal periods and improve overall health.
• Surgical Options:
  • Endometrial Ablation: A procedure that destroys the uterine lining to reduce heavy bleeding caused by uterine conditions like fibroids or polyps.
  • Hysterectomy: In cases of severe uterine disease or cancer, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, especially if fertility is not a concern.
• Fertility Treatments: If irregular periods are related to fertility concerns, treatments like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered.
• Management of Underlying Conditions:
  • Thyroid Treatment: For women with thyroid disorders, medications to balance thyroid hormone levels can restore regular menstrual cycles.
  • PCOS Management: Medications like metformin, clomiphene citrate, or insulin sensitizers may help regulate periods in women with PCOS.

Related Treatments

• Hirsutism
• Menopause Clinic
• Hypopituitarism
• Celiac Disease
• PCOS Clinic