Many of our readers have expressed, by way of their comments, their concern with excessive hair growth, particularly facial hair. In particular, one comment by a reader was full of worry about excessive hair growth and an absence of periods.
When menstrual periods were regular before and stop currently, it is known as Secondary Amenorrhea and may be accompanied by excessive hair growth (particularly on the face and torso), milky discharge from breasts, headaches and reduced peripheral vision. There could be several causes for secondary amenorrhea and consequent other symptoms:
- Mental stress could sometimes be responsible for loss of periods.
- Certain medications and birth control (contraceptive) pills can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of the reproductive organs resulting in amenorrhea.
- Excessive exercising, or malnutrition, or an eating disorder or very low body weight resulting from any other reason could also be responsible for an absence of periods.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common cause for Amenorrhea. The production of estrogen and androgen are disrupted, which can lead to other symptoms such as obesity and acne as well.
- Premature Ovarian insufficiency or early menopause could be caused by genetic factors or autoimmune disorders which may also cause irregular periods or amenorrhea.
- Sometimes it is glandular problems such as Thyroid (most commonly Hypothyroidism) that causes lack of periods.
