What may cause irregular or absent menstruation?
Pregnant women do not have monthly periods. A full-time breast-feeding mother may not have a period until she stops breast-feeding. The following conditions may also cause an absent or irregular menstruation: • Congenital abnormalities: Some women are born with defects in their vagina which may prevent menstruation. A hymen (thin covering of the vagina) may also not have an opening and block the menstrual flow. • Ovulation disorders: Changes in the hormones that affect ovulation may be caused by the following: • Endocrine conditions: These cause problems in the release of hormones into the bloodstream. These conditions may include poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, or thyroid disorders. • Polycystic ovarian syndrome: This is also called PCOS. This is a condition where the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones than female hormones. • Tumors: Tumors of the adrenals, pituitary gland, or ovaries may cause problems with your monthly periods and ovulation. • Ot
