Amenorrhoea means periods that haven't started by the expected age, or that stop for three months or more. The most
common reason is pregnancy; others include stress, weight change, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems
and early menopause. Most causes are treatable, and finding the cause also protects bone and fertility. Ayurveda
describes absent menstruation as Nashtartava.
Primary and secondary
Primary amenorrhoea — no periods by age 15, or by 13 with no other signs of puberty such as breast development. Causes include delayed puberty (often runs in families), low body weight, hormone problems, and less commonly differences in how the reproductive organs developed.
Secondary amenorrhoea — periods that were regular stop for 3 months, or irregular periods stop for 6 months. This is far more common.
Periods normally stop during pregnancy, breastfeeding and after menopause, and can be absent with some contraceptives — none of these are a problem.
Herbs such as Shatavari and Ashoka are used in Ayurvedic women’s health. Take them only with qualified guidance, and never during pregnancy without your doctor’s approval.
Common causes
Common causes of absent periods and their clues
Cause
Clues
Pregnancy
Always check first — a home test is reliable from the day a period is due
PCOS
Irregular or absent periods, acne, excess hair, weight gain — see menstrual problems
Stress, low weight, heavy exercise
Recent weight loss, dieting, intensive sport, eating disorder — the brain switches off the cycle
Thyroid disorders
Tiredness, weight change, feeling hot or cold — see hypothyroidism
High prolactin
Milky nipple discharge, headaches; some medicines cause it
After a D&C, miscarriage surgery or infection (Asherman syndrome)
Medicines
Some antipsychotics, hormonal contraceptives, chemotherapy
When to see a doctor
No periods by 15, or by 13 with no breast development
Periods have stopped for 3 months and you are not pregnant
Severe one-sided abdominal pain with a missed period — go to hospital (possible ectopic pregnancy)
Rapid weight loss, preoccupation with weight or food, or over-exercising
Headaches with vision changes or nipple discharge
Hot flushes or night sweats before age 45
Tests & treatment
A doctor will ask about weight, exercise, stress, medicines and other symptoms, and usually arrange a pregnancy test,
blood tests (thyroid, prolactin, FSH, LH, oestrogen, sometimes testosterone) and a pelvic ultrasound. Treatment
depends on the cause: nutrition and reducing excessive exercise; treating thyroid or prolactin problems; lifestyle and
medical treatment for PCOS; hormone therapy for early menopause; and surgery for womb scarring. Fertility treatment is
available if pregnancy is wanted.
Why it matters: bones
When periods stop because oestrogen is low — from low weight, heavy exercise or early menopause — bones lose strength,
raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Long periods without a bleed in PCOS can also let the
womb lining thicken. Both are good reasons not to ignore absent periods, even if they feel convenient.
Ayurvedic view
Remove obstruction from the channels of menstruation (Artavavaha srotas) → pacify Vata and Kapha → nourish Rasa dhatu, from which Artava forms.
Absent menstruation is described as Nashtartava or Artava kshaya, attributed to Vata and
Kapha obstructing the channels of menstruation, or to depletion from under-nutrition, over-exertion and grief.
Treatment aims either to clear obstruction (with warming, Kapha-reducing herbs in cases resembling PCOS) or to
nourish (in depletion), alongside correction of diet, routine and emotional strain.
Herbs & safety
Rule out pregnancy before taking any herbal preparation to “bring on” a period. Some herbs used as
emmenagogues (to start menstruation), such as those in Rajahpravartini vati, can harm a pregnancy.
Shatavari is used for nourishment in depletion-type amenorrhoea.
Sesame (tila), Kumaryasava (an aloe-based preparation) and Dashmoola are used by practitioners for obstruction-type patterns.
Evidence is limited. Herbs should not delay tests for the causes above. Use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
Self-care
Eat regular, balanced meals with enough energy for your activity level — don't crash-diet.
If you train heavily, include rest days and make sure you're eating enough.
If overweight with PCOS, even a 5–10% weight loss can restart periods.
Manage stress; keep regular sleep.
Track your cycle so you can tell your doctor exactly when periods stopped.
Find Physicians
Showing results for “gynaecology gynecology obstetrics endocrinology”.
