Amenorrhea: why your period stopped and what to do now

Missing your period can be scary and confusing. Amenorrhea simply means no menstrual bleeding for months. That could be normal (pregnancy or menopause) or a sign of a treatable health issue. This page helps you figure out the likely causes, which tests matter, and practical steps to get your cycle back or protect your health.

Common causes and tests

First thing: do a pregnancy test if you can. After that, common causes include hormonal problems (PCOS, high prolactin, thyroid issues), low body weight or excessive exercise, stress or recent weight loss, and certain medicines or birth control. Less often, structural issues in the uterus or ovaries can block bleeding.

Doctors usually start with these tests: urine or serum pregnancy test, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, and basic bloodwork (CBC, metabolic panel). They may check FSH and LH to see if ovaries are working, and order pelvic ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries. If needed, they’ll refer you to an endocrinologist or gynecologist for deeper testing.

Treatment options and practical steps

Treatment depends on the cause. If pregnancy is the reason, care follows that path. For hypothyroidism or high prolactin, treating the underlying issue usually brings periods back. If low weight, overexercise, or eating disorders are causing amenorrhea, restoring weight and easing exercise intensity often restores cycles. For PCOS, doctors commonly use hormonal birth control, metformin, or lifestyle changes to regulate periods.

If you want to get pregnant, options differ: ovulation induction with letrozole or clomiphene is common for PCOS, while assisted reproductive techniques may be needed for other causes. Never start fertility drugs without evaluation and guidance from a specialist.

Some useful, low-risk steps you can try while waiting for appointments: track your cycle and symptoms with an app, ease high-intensity workouts, focus on balanced meals with enough calories and protein, manage sleep and stress, and avoid starting or stopping prescription meds without talking to your prescriber.

Supplements like vitamin D and iron help when you’re deficient, and B vitamins can support energy, but don’t expect them to fix hormone-driven amenorrhea alone. Always check supplements with your doctor—some interact with medications or mask symptoms.

See a doctor if your period stops for three months or more, if you have sudden hair growth, severe pelvic pain, unexpected bleeding, or signs of high prolactin (like unusual nipple discharge). Early testing is simple and often leads to clear next steps.

Want quick reading on related topics? Check articles on PCOS, thyroid health, contraception effects, and fertility options to learn more about causes and treatments tied to amenorrhea.