Amenorrhea is diagnosed when a woman does not get her period for at least 3-6 months. Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a woman never had a menstrual period or bleeding and when she does not get a menstrual period by the age of 14 or 16 years of age, while secondary amenorrhea is diagnosed in a woman who previously had a regular menstrual period but then it stopped. The main reasons for primary amenorrhea are blockages or narrowing of the cervix, a hymen that has no opening, a missing uterus or vagina and a vaginal septum (a wall that divides the vagina into 2 sections). The main reasons for secondary amenorrhea is when there is no ovulation such as in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, while other causes include polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, being underweight, thyroid disease, reduced ovarian function, taking certain medications and other causes.


Symptoms of PCOS

What are the typical symptoms of PCOS? ... read more »

Anovulation (No Ovulation) Causes

Reasons for not ovulating (anovulation) inlcude polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hypothalamic amenorrhea. ... read more »

Diagnosis of PCOS

How can you diagnose if I have PCOS? ... read more »

Late Period - Negative Pregnancy Test

Late Period: Negative Pregnancy Test. There are two reasons for having a negative pregnancy test and having a late period: You did not ovulate anovulation or you did too early a pregnancy testing. ... read more »

No Period After the Pill (Post-Pill Amenorrhea)

It is called post-pill amenorrhea when you did not get your period after you have stopped taking the pill. ... read more »

When to See the Doctor After the Pill

I haven't had my period since I stopped the pill four months ago, should I see a doctor? ... read more »

Progesterone (Provera) Challenge Test

The progesterone or provera challenge test is given to women with no menstrual bleeding amenorrhea to see if they bleed or not. ... read more »

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem. ... read more »

I Took Provera and Still Didn't Get My Period

I have no period and did not bleed at all even after taking Provera. What does this mean? ... read more »

Irregular Menstrual Periods or Bleeding Abnormalities: A Window into a Woman's Health

Your menstrual cycles are a window into your health. They are considered your fifth vital sign as they may indicate other medical issues now or in the future. ... read more »

Missed Menstrual Period: Am I Pregnant?

Missing a period, especially if you always had regular menstrual periods, is a significant event, so naturally the next question that follows is, "Am I pregnant?" ... read more »

How To Get Pregnant After The Pill and Other Birth Control

The first step in trying to get pregnant is to stop taking the pill. ... read more »

Müllerian agenesis - Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser Syndrome

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder that occurs in females and mainly affects the reproductive system. ... read more »

Why do I have no menstrual period (Amenorrhea) ?

I had no menstrual period for 2 months. What could be the cause? ... read more »

No Period After Birth Control Pill

After stopping birth control, whether it's the pill or other forms of birth control, a woman's menstrual bleeding and cycles usually start within several months. Menstrual periods are related to ovulation, and ovulation, and your fertility usually start before a regular period starts. ... read more »

Can Obesity Prevent Ovulation?

The presence of adipose or fat tissue in obese women leads to a decrease of sex hormone binding globulin, and an increase in androgens (male hormones). ... read more »

No Periods, Not Ovulating?

If I don't have my periods does that mean I am not ovulating? ... read more »

Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding

I just gave birth and I'm breastfeeding. I'm wondering if I can get pregnant while breastfeeding and whether breastfeeding can be used as a contraceptive. ... read more »

No Menstrual Period and Negative Pregnancy Test Not Pregnant

If you have amenorrhea and you don't have a period and are not pregnant, then certain tests can be done to find out why you are not getting your period. ... read more »

What Is An Imaginary Pregnancy?

What is an imaginary pregnancy (pseudocyesis)? Pseudopregnancy is a false pregnancy, although a woman has many signs and symptoms of an actual pregnancy. ... read more »

Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a woman does not get her period by the age of 14 or 16 years of age. ... read more »

After the Pill - Bleeding Irregularly

I stopped the pill two months ago but am bleeding irregularly. What does this mean? ... read more »

No Periods Without Prometrium

I have no periods without prometrium. How can I get pregnant? ... read more »

Exercise and Late Period

Why is my period late? ... read more »

Premature Ovarian Failure Linked to Gene Mutation

A team of doctors has identified a specific gene mutation that is linked to premature ovarian failure (POF), a form of early menopause that leaves a woman infertile before the age of 40. ... read more »

Prenatal Exposures and Anti-Mullerian Hormone

A long list of studies has been published linking paternal and maternal habits prior to and during pregnancy with fetal and child health outcomes. Researchers recently published another study showing a link between pre-pregnancy habits and health to female offspring long-term health.  ... read more »

Hypothalamic Pituitary Failure

What is Hypothalamic Pituitary Failure? Learn about the causes here. ... read more »

Negative Pregnancy Test and Missed No Period

Missed period and negative pregnancy test - How likely is pregnancy if the pregnancy test is negative? ... read more »

Missed Menstrual Periods And Amenorrhea

On average, women have between 11 and 13 menstrual cycles, or periods, each year. For some women, 11 is far too many and others would love to have only 13 periods. ... read more »

Amenorrhea - Missing Your Period - Pregnancy Diagnosis

Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period. Missing your regular menstrual period is for most women the very first early pregnancy sign. ... read more »

Anovulation - Tests to do when you are not ovulating

The main symptoms of women who do not ovulate (anovulation) is having no period  (amenorrhea) or having irregular periods or bleeding. Here are the tests that are usually done when you are suspected of not ovulating: Laboratory Studies for Anovulation The very first test to do is a pregnancy test as pregnancy must first be excluded as a cause of not having a period. ... read more »

Anovulation - Why Some Women Don’t Ovulate

Ovulation is necessary for getting pregnant, and some women have trouble getting pregnant because they do not ovulate (anovulation). ... read more »

Anovulation: Not Ovulating- An Overview

Anovulation refers to a condition in women in which an egg is not released from the ovaries. It is the #1 cause of female infertility. ... read more »

Difference Between Ovulation and Anovulation

What is anovulation? What is the difference between ovulation and anovulation? ... read more »

When Can I Get Pregnant After Stopping the Pill?

When can I get pregnant after stopping the pill? It is perfectly safe to start trying to conceive as soon as you stop the pill, but when you will conceive is a good question. ... read more »

37 years old and no period for 2 years

Question: I am 37-years-old and have not had a period for 2 years. What could it be? Dr.Amos answers: There are several reasons why a woman does not get her period (amenorrhea). The first reason is pregnancy, in which case the pregnancy test would be positive. Or breastfeeding. If there is no pregnancy, then other reasons include: ... read more »