Definition
Amenorrhoea (Greek: a—no, men—month, rhoia—flow)
refers to the absence of menstrual periods. It is physiologic before puberty, during pregnancy
and breastfeeding, and after menopause. Failure to menstruate after puberty or cessation of
periods for several months prior to menopause is considered amenorrhoea.
Related terms: Menstrual Health Reproductive Health
Types
- Primary amenorrhoea: No first period by ~16 years (with otherwise normal development) or by ~14 years without other secondary sexual characteristics.
- Secondary amenorrhoea: Previously regular periods stop for 3 or more consecutive cycles (outside pregnancy/lactation/menopause).
Organs & Systems Involved
Regular menstruation depends on the coordinated function of:
- Reproductive organs: Uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina.
- Blood and nutrition: Adequate hemoglobin and overall nourishment.
- Neuro-endocrine system: The brain–pituitary–ovarian axis and hormonal balance.
Causes (Selected)
Primary amenorrhoea: Eating disorders, intense athletic training before menarche, extreme obesity, certain medications, chronic illnesses (e.g., thyroid disease, anemia), congenital anomalies, and genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome).
Secondary amenorrhoea: Stress and major life changes, contraceptives (some users may not bleed), rapid weight loss, excessive exercise, cold exposure around menses, sedentary lifestyle, cannabis use or chronic disease, PCOS/ovarian tumors, post-surgical or chemotherapy effects, pituitary/thyroid/adrenal disorders.
Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda often associates amenorrhoea with aggravations of Vata and/or Kapha,
reduced Pitta, impaired digestion (agni) and toxin accumulation (ama),
affecting channels such as rasavahi and artavavahi srotas.
Typical reasoning:
- Vata/Kapha imbalance → altered digestive fire → ama formation → channel obstruction → disturbed menstrual flow.
- Cold predominance with low Pitta → reduced transformation and flow, contributing to scanty/absent menses.
Management in classical texts aims to balance doshas, rekindle agni, clear channels, and support tissues. Individualized care by a qualified practitioner is essential.
Diet Guidance (Supportive)
- Favor warm, freshly prepared, and nourishing meals that gently kindle agni.
- Spices (as tolerated) such as ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper may support digestion.
- For tendencies toward Kapha excess, emphasize lighter fruits (apples, citrus, papaya), legumes/beans, barley/millet/chickpea; use honey sparingly as a sweetener; limit heavy/fried foods and excess wheat/rice.
- Limit very cold, very dry, and gas-forming items if they aggravate Vata (e.g., large amounts of raw cabbage/cauliflower/beans, yeasted white-flour sweets).
- Dairy: Prefer warm, spiced milk (pinch of turmeric/ginger) if suitable; avoid yogurt around bedtime or in cold weather if congestion is an issue.
Lifestyle Guidance (Supportive)
- Adopt a steady daily routine: regular meals, sleep, and moderate exercise.
- Avoid over-exercising beyond capacity; likewise avoid prolonged inactivity—seek balance.
- Manage stress (breathwork, gentle yoga, mindfulness, counseling as needed).
- Stay warm at the onset of menses if you’re sensitive to cold (Vata soothing).
- Discuss contraceptive choices with a clinician; some methods reduce/stop bleeding by design.
Red flags: If periods stop unexpectedly or do not start by the expected age, seek medical evaluation to rule out pregnancy, anemia, thyroid issues, PCOS, pituitary/ovarian pathology, or other conditions.
Important Note
This page provides supportive Ayurvedic perspectives and is not a substitute for medical care. Amenorrhoea warrants clinical assessment. Coordinate any traditional measures with your licensed healthcare professional.