The absence of periods or menstrual flow is called amenorrhea. It may happen for many reasons. Amenorrhea is of most concern when a young woman does not start her periods by age 16. This may happen if either the sex organs did not form normally from birth or are not functioning correctly.

A more common problem is the absence of periods after menstruation began in her teen years. The causes are easily treated and include:
* pregnancy,
* hormone imbalances, including the start of menopause,
* drugs, like birth control pills,
* chronic diseases, like diabetes or thyroid disease,
* physical or emotional stress,
* severe weight loss or extreme exercise.

Tumors and scarring rarely cause this problem.

Your healthcare provider will usually be able to offer help. You may need a careful history, exam and lab tests. Hormones may be used as part of your treatment. All treatment will depend on your desire for having children, the stage of your life, and possible problems, that may result from no treatment. The goal is to keep your healthy life style for your entire life.

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