QuestionHello, I am 20 years old and have not had my period for 5 months, going on 6 (since December). I had this problem before, but only missed it for 3 months (from Sept-Nov) due to weight loss. At the time, I was 5'6 and about 100-105lbs. Now I am about 115, and I am wondering why my menstrual cycle is not active! I am not pregnant, and I did see a doctor the first time who told me it was normal for girls my age to have irregularities. It is nice not having my period, but it also worries me because in the future I plan on having children. What could be the cause of this? Could it be other factors besides weight loss/gain? (Maybe something more serious??)
And is there a way to become fertile again?
AnswerHello,
It is NOT normal to have irregular menstrual cycles at your age. You need to change doctors and see someone who knows about these things.
The reason for the irregularity is not due to weight in your case. You have an adequate weight. The most common problem is an ovarian dysfunction called PCOD. You may have a variant of this. However, there are other hormonal disorders such as Thyroid problems and Pituitary problems that can cause the ovaries to malfunction as well. I would recommend that you see a reproductive endocrinologist/gynecologist for an evaluation.
There are many adverse sequelae to not having proper hormonal stimulation. There are long term side effects such as increased facial hair growth, obesity, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness and shrinkage, skin dryness, hair loss, etc. Therefore, if you are not cycling normally, it is recommend that you go on hormone replacement with the birth control pill. You should stay on that until you are ready for pregnancy. You may then need to use fertility medications to get pregnant i.e. to get your ovaries to ovulate so that you can get pregnant.
I hope this helps,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
