Ladies Only: Lady problem

So hopefully the title has worked and led the men away but if you are a guy and you like breaking the rules then get ready.

So I have not had my period in about 4 months and I was wondering if anyone else was dealing with this. This has happened to me before and I went to the doctor to have a blood test done. She said I wasn't producing enough of the second hormone that induces the period. She wanted to put me on the pill but I am not sexually active and won't be for a LONG time so I don't see the point. Another reason is because I've seen a lot of my friends back in high school gain weight once they started taking the pill. After my first visit my period randomly came back but only stayed for like 2 months.

Is there anything I can do to induce my period?
«1

Replies

  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Are you saying you have PCOS?
  • mlk8604
    mlk8604 Posts: 56 Member
    Are you extremely physically active? Being very active can make it go away. I always had them, then I started running 30+ miles/week and now I rarely have them. Personally, I don't complain about it, because my monthly friend wasn't really my friend!!

    Edited to add: My ob/gyn says this is normal and (for me at least) nothing to worry about. Disclaimer - I would see your own ob/gyn and see if this is OK/normal for you.
  • TheDarlingOne
    TheDarlingOne Posts: 255 Member
    Sounds like PCOS. The options as far as I know, are the birth control as offered (but you said you were not into) - and I currently take Metformin er. while being on the metformin my periods are monthly again. (I never could pinpoint the date, but don't know that many can anyways? lol) - so maybe look into PCOS.
  • emdeesea
    emdeesea Posts: 1,823 Member
    Sometimes very athletic women will stop having their period if they exercise excessively or become too thin. Could this be the problem? If not, you could talk to your doctor. I don't think not having a period is harmful of course unless you're trying to conceive.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    You can use an over-the-counter progesterone cream that comes in a measured dosage. Don't bother with any kinds that don't give the mgs.

    Use it during your cycle where your progesterone is supposed to rise. If you don't have a period to count from, just pick a day to call Day 1 of your period, but be consistent from month to month after that. It's definitely NOT birth control, so I want to make that clear, lol.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Sounds like PCOS. The options as far as I know, are the birth control as offered (but you said you were not into) - and I currently take Metformin er. while being on the metformin my periods are monthly again. (I never could pinpoint the date, but don't know that many can anyways? lol) - so maybe look into PCOS.

    That's why I asked :blushing: because if you do, it's very common to not have a period and well, pretty much what the above poster said.
  • orczombie
    orczombie Posts: 20 Member
    I don't see why whether or not you are sexually active matters. Yes, the pill is used as birth control, but that's not its only use. I was amenorrheic for years. I was diagnosed with PCOS (not saying you are, but that was the reason of my amenorrhea) and put on the pill, which started my period again. I did not gain weight. I actually lost weight, but that was also during a time where I stopped eating so unhealthy and cooked food at home. When I lost my insurance and didn't have access to the pill, my period actually continued on its own... but I think that was due to the weight loss.
  • Simone_King
    Simone_King Posts: 467 Member
    Since other people in the thread stated they have PCOS I am going to be honest, I have this too. Because of this I take birth control. I am not sexually active either.

    Believe it or not birth control isn't just so you won't get pregnant. It helps with a wide host of female problems.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    The pill gives your body more estrogen, though, and if you don't need any more estrogen, it's better to just supplement the hormone you do need. Estrogen is implicated in many kinds of cancers. Better to not overdo on that one!
  • the pill is not only used for contraception. It has many other benefits. It can regulate your menstrul cycle and help with the pain level caused by endometriosis. you may gain some weight however in the long run it is helping with an issue you want to try and fix. There are more than one type of pill on the market so make sure you speak with your GP to discuss your options

    good luck
  • JessHealthKick
    JessHealthKick Posts: 800 Member
    Since other people in the thread stated they have PCOS I am going to be honest, I have this too. Because of this I take birth control. I am not sexually active either.

    Believe it or not birth control isn't just so you won't get pregnant. It helps with a wide host of female problems.

    this. Listen to your doctor! Birth control has many uses (I used it for skin, and I use it as birth control as well!)

    The reason people 'put on weight' is because it increases your hunger levels. I can vouch for that 100%, I went off it for about 2 months at the beginning of this year (when I started to try and lose) and suddenly found hunger an issue when I went back on it later on. I currently do not take it, as I prefer to let my body be natural in that department since I am very regular anyway.

    With hunger, the same was the case when I went back on it for 1month in September when I knew I would be 'active' (long distance relationship). I was ravenous, it was almost embarrassing! I'd eat breakfast and be snacking all the way until lunch, then up until dinner, and falling asleep hungry!

    If you watch your intake you won't gain, it's just that you WANT to eat more when on it!

    Hope this helps :)
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    Your doctor would probably put you on Prometrium if you mentioned it to her. It's progesterone-only, but it's FDA approved, etc. It's usually stronger than the OTC creams that I mentioned above.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    I'm sure someone can remember the female reproductive cycle better than I can. Is it your Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that is not being produced enough?

    I assume you want to see if a dietary approach can help since it doesnt seem you want to try a medication route at this time, correct?

    My first thought is it's a sex hormone lets look at your fat intake. Are you getting enough fats in your diet a range of oils from nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, animal, dairy, coconut, hemp, flax...ect?

    Next protein are you eating enough to help with hormone production?

    Micronutrients do you eat enough iron, calcium, niacin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D?

    Do you know what your body fat % is at? Are you considered low?

    There are also herbs, now I'm not going to specifically recommend any, but if you google emmenagogue you might be surprised at some of the common plants listed. This of course would be a last case approach and talk to your doctor.

    I do hope you find the answers.
  • thefewsteps
    thefewsteps Posts: 201 Member
    same here, been trying the natural approach with maca and dong quai. nothing yet.
  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    The pill is basically hormones that help regulate you. I had extremely irregular periods before but was hesitant about the pill as well. But it's so nice to be on a normal schedule now! If you think of it more as a hormone helper it might ease your mind more :)

    Also those friends who gained weight they were in high school, gaining and loosing weight (especially as a teen) is a part of life. I used the pill as an excuse at first when I started to gain weight, but I have been on the pill for over 2 years now and I currently weight the lowest I have ever weighted :)
  • garrisonwife
    garrisonwife Posts: 129 Member
    First, let me echo some of the other people...PLEASE make sure anything you choose to do is ok with your doctor first!!! Most of us are not doctors, so you should definitely clear ANYTHING you do through your OBGYN.

    That being said...

    I have never had a regular period, unless I was on birth control. When I was on the pill, I had my period very regularly every month, and I did not gain weight on it. As soon as my husband and I decided to try and get pregnant, and I came off the pill...boom...no period at all...for YEARS. I still, to this day, have not had a period since I have been off the pill. My question to you would be: is there a specific reason you WANT to have your period? If you have had blood work done, and it's come back clear, then many doctors say that it's perfectly ok to NOT have a period, believe it or not. (Again, at this point, I would encourage you to discuss this with your own doctor!!!!) If you are not trying to get pregnant, and there are no medical issues that require you to have a period, then you may not NEED to have one. There are a thousand different reasons why you may not be having your period. I would just have an open and honest discussion with your doctor. Have them do blood work if they haven't already, and then find out if it's safe for you to just not have your period! Problem solved! However, if you just plain feel BETTER about having your period every month, there are many alternatives to the birth control pill. And a lot of birth control pills are made better and differently than they have been in years past. But, like I said, you have lots of options. Look into acupuncture or other holistic options. Just run anything you decide to do through your actual doctor first!!! Sorry to be repetitive about that...but I know WAY too many people who take advice from random people on the Internet without checking with their doctors, and they've harmed themselves!!

    Good Luck!!
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    Going on the pill for this issue is just masking the problem, not getting to the root of it. So I would avoid that route unless you have other issues like endometriosis but you didn't mention dealing with pain when you do have your period. I'd look into whether you have pcos. Did your dr do an ultrasound? Did she do hormonal tests at different times or just the one time? I don have pcos but know a fair bit about it. Instead of your dr just telling you you're low on progesterone she should be looking into why that is. Are you not ovulating for example (for your doc to answer). It would be good for you to get to the root of it so you know what to expect later on when you want to have children. Good luck!
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    Wanted to add - did your doc test your thyroid and cortisol levels? When these are off, ovulation could be suppressed so no period either. Just giving you some ideas. There are other reasons you may not ovulate (in addition to these and pcos) but I just remembered these off the top of my head.
  • mampho
    mampho Posts: 6 Member
    mine is heavier than before i started my diet it used to ta 7 days and now its 9days
  • alisonlynn1976
    alisonlynn1976 Posts: 929 Member
    You don't need to be sexually active to take birth control. The main reason I use it is to help regulate my periods.
  • chatogal
    chatogal Posts: 436 Member
    Hi OP It is difficult to know what exactly your medical condition is without specifics. But I would urge you to take the advice of your doctor. If you have furthet questions ASK your doctor.

    However, I agree with most of the posters here the birth control pill can be very useful in regulating hormones so giving your ovaries a bit of a break and might help in preventing other symptoms of pcos and indeed allow them to 'recover' somewhat so assisting in any future fertility issues..(this dosnt always happen...but it might) It is why pregnancy itself is such a good cure for PCOS!!

    Anyway, this is all assuming it is PCOS, I cant emphasis enough how important it is for you to discuss this with your dr. Good luck
  • Kelly_430
    Kelly_430 Posts: 7 Member
    I looked into PCOS and just by self diagnosis I don't think I have that. I haven't had many of the symptoms but thanks for the fun read!

    I am very physically active. I am a cardio fiend and I also recently started weight training. I know that this is the cause of my missed period but I'm not going to stop exercising for that. I had my body fat percentage measured at my gym a few weeks ago but I don't completely trust it because they made me use some hand held device and those are a complete crockery. But going from what that said, I have about 20% body fat and I weight around 110 lbs.

    The reason I don't want to be on the pill is also I don't believe in medication. I see it as unnecessary chemicals in my body. But from what everyone is saying, maybe I'll give it a shot. I just really hate my body and don't want to take any steps backwards. My stomach is fat and disgusting and if the pill makes me bloated I feel like I would just die. Sorry for the blunt words but it is true.
  • bekahlou75
    bekahlou75 Posts: 304 Member
    I would go to the doctor. You said that she suggested the pill the last time she tested your hormones. Maybe there's another option for you now. Maybe if she tests you again she'll have a different answer. Just a side note about the pill.....if it helps take it. I can't take it. The different levels of hormones week to week made me crazy (crying, screaming, mean, etc). It doesn't affect everyone the same way and could work for you, if needed.
  • Lauren8239
    Lauren8239 Posts: 1,039 Member
    The pill gives your body more estrogen, though, and if you don't need any more estrogen, it's better to just supplement the hormone you do need. Estrogen is implicated in many kinds of cancers. Better to not overdo on that one!

    The pill is offered in many different hormone equations. My 17 year old daughter just started using Alesse because she has pcos and doesn't have periods. It's progesterone. And it works without any estrogen.

    p.s. - she isn't sexually active either. The dose in her pill is low but enough to get things moving along lol
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    The pill gives your body more estrogen, though, and if you don't need any more estrogen, it's better to just supplement the hormone you do need. Estrogen is implicated in many kinds of cancers. Better to not overdo on that one!

    The pill is offered in many different hormone equations. My 17 year old daughter just started using Alesse because she has pcos and doesn't have periods. It's progesterone. And it works without any estrogen.

    p.s. - she isn't sexually active either. The dose in her pill is low but enough to get things moving along lol

    Why did she go on the pill? Did it bother her to not have a period? The pill doesn't treat the underlying problem, it only gives her an artificial period. It's not treating the pcos.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    The pill gives your body more estrogen, though, and if you don't need any more estrogen, it's better to just supplement the hormone you do need. Estrogen is implicated in many kinds of cancers. Better to not overdo on that one!

    The pill is offered in many different hormone equations. My 17 year old daughter just started using Alesse because she has pcos and doesn't have periods. It's progesterone. And it works without any estrogen.

    p.s. - she isn't sexually active either. The dose in her pill is low but enough to get things moving along lol

    I have PCOS and endometriosis. Alesse definitely has estrogen: Ethinyl Estradiol. Y'all should look into suggesting Prometrium instead from her doctor, because chances are with PCOS she already has too much estrogen.

    My mom had estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, and my conditions had me producing too much estrogen because of the lack of progesterone (it's a feedback system, so that happens with PCOS). Now that women are having their actual hormone levels tested, giving the pill for everything makes little sense, imho. They still do it, mind you. My doc doesn't, but he might have when I was a young girl. I found gynos become concerned the very day you turn 35 and all their suggestions change. The profession could do better, honestly. It is changing, and that's good.
  • fleetzz
    fleetzz Posts: 962 Member
    It isn't normal to lose your period, even extreme athletes are able to maintain it with adequate calories. You need to see your doctor again.

    Look up the female athlete triad--you are hurting your bone density long term if this is what you have. If it is not, then you have a medical reason that needs to be addressed.
  • Tunia85
    Tunia85 Posts: 212 Member
    Had the same thing... I had my period for 2 months non stop. Then didn't have it for 3. Went on birth control, but I didn't need it for bc so got off it after 2 months. Then didn't have my period once again for 2 months and now everything is back to order. Sometimes you just have to wait and let your body adjust. For me birth control for 3 months was a good choice, and your doctor can work with you so you don't gain wait. I had no side effects.
  • iheartbiology
    iheartbiology Posts: 104 Member
    I agree with ldrosophila...
    If your fat intake is too low, your body can't produce hormones & thus no period. Too high of an overall calorie deficit can do the same.
  • SarahMakePretty
    SarahMakePretty Posts: 24 Member
    The pill doesn't really make you gain weight. Some forms of birth control like the hormonal IUD, Implanon, Depo shot.... those are usually associated with more weight gain. I personally haven't heard of many stories of the pill causing more than 5 or so lbs of weight gain, which is supposedly water retention.

    Bonus of taking the pill: You know when your period is happening, and your skin looks amazing. And if you do decide to be sexually active at some point you know you are covered.

    I'm not a doctor, these are just my personal experiences and experiences of women I know. But I think the most important thing is to perhaps discuss other options with your OBGYN if the pill isn't something you are interested, and maybe delve deeper into what the cause might be of its disappearance. Women aren't all the same- your body might just work differently.