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 Amenorrhoea refers to the absence of menstruation on a permanent or temporary basis. Oligomenorrhoea refers to infrequent menstrual periods, or having a period only now and then. Both refer to conditions characterised by irregular menstruation patterns.
Amenorrhoea is classified into primary amenorrhoea and secondary amenorrhoea. Primary amenorrhoea occurs in young females who have not started menstruating by the age of 16, typically as the result of a genetic or anatomical condition. Secondary amenorrhoea is when normal menstruation is interrupted for three or more consecutive periods or a time period of more than six months in a woman who was previously menstruating. Infertility and bone loss (osteoporosis) are complications of prolonged amenorrhoea.
Irregular periods are common in girls who are just beginning to menstruate. After a year or two, the menstrual cycle usually regularises.
Causes
Irregular periods may be caused by different factors, including the following:
- Genetic conditions such as gonadal dysgenesis, Turner syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- During puberty or nearing menopause
- Change in contraception method
- Certain contraceptives and medications
- Lifestyle changes such as excessive exercise, extreme weight loss or gain, eating disorders and stress
- Hormonal changes involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, ovary, or adrenal glands (e.g. hormone imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones regulating the menstrual cycle; hypothyroidism)
- Diseases and abnormalities in the reproductive system (e.g. pregnancy, hypothalamic or pituitary diseases, endometriosis, cancer)
What you can do
Missing a few periods is usually no cause for alarm. Make a few lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest and exercise, and stay relaxed and patient. Chances are, your menstrual cycle will be back to normal again soon.
To rule out any abnormality, see a doctor if menstruation has not started by the age of 16, or if your periods have been absent for more than six months when you’re not pregnant or menopausal. Treatment for irregular periods varies according to the cause.
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