Monday, February 25, 2008

I haven't had a period in two years. The doctor had me go to have my blood checked to see if I was going through menopause. When I went back for my results, she said I wasn't going through menopause. My question is, then why haven't I had a period?

There are many reasons other than menopause for women to miss their periods (the medical term for this is amenorrhea). They include endocrine problems such as hypothyroidismor hyperprolactinemia (when a certain rare brain tumor produces prolactin, the hormone that helps a woman make milk after childbirth). Sometimes the lack of periods is due to weight loss, excessive exercise or stress, or sometimes a medication. And, of course, pregnancy is always a possible cause of missed periods – although if it’s been two years, I think we can rule that out in your case!

If you haven’t had a follow-up visit with your doctor, I suggest you schedule one. She ought to be able to help you sort out what is happening in your case.