No Period Because of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

No periods is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The absence of periods is also called amenorrhea. If you have PCOS, you may also have infrequent, irregular periods, known as oligomenorrhea.

This article explains why PCOS causes irregular or absent periods, the risks and complications of PCOS, and treatment options.

Why PCOS Makes You Miss Your Period

PCOS is a leading cause of irregular or absent periods that isn't due to pregnancy. It affects between 4% and 20% of women of childbearing age. The condition is characterized by higher-than-normal levels of androgens such as testosterone, which creates an imbalance of sex hormones.

High androgen levels can interfere with egg development and release, or ovulation. Instead of the eggs maturing, ovarian cysts (little fluid-filled sacs) can develop and build up on the ovaries. Ovulation may not occur each month. This leads to irregular periods.

Diagnosis of PCOS

PCOS is typically diagnosed when there's at least two of three accompanying symptoms:

• High androgen levels, like testosterone, or physical signs of high androgens, like excessive body hair
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Ovarian cysts
  

Risks and Complications

An occasional missed period is normal. However, not having a regular period may increase your risk of endometrial cancer.

All females have some levels of androgens (sex hormones, like testosterone, that are produced in higher amounts by the testes than the ovaries). During a normal menstrual cycle, the endometrium is exposed to hormones, like estrogen, which cause the lining to proliferate and thicken.

When ovulation does not occur, the lining is not shed, and progesterone doesn’t go up as it usually would. Then the lining is exposed to unopposed estrogen. This causes the endometrium to grow much thicker than normal and contributes to an increased risk of cancer.

Keep in mind that this does not apply if you're taking a birth control pill to treat PCOS, especially those designed to prevent you from getting your period more than once every few months. The pill keeps your hormone levels low and your endometrial lining thin, reducing your risk of endometrial cancer.

Treatment

There are many different ways to treat irregular or absent periods in PCOS, depending on your goals and health history. Some healthcare providers recommend oral contraceptives to balance out hormones and create a regular cycle. Metformin can help some people regulate their cycle.

Some people who have PCOS can experience regular menstrual cycles through weight loss, changes to their eating habits, and exercise. In addition, the dietary supplement inositol has been shown to help regulate periods and balance hormones in people with PCOS.

If your periods suddenly become irregular, talk to your healthcare provider. Further diagnostic testing and/or medical interventions could be necessary.

Summary

Pregnancy or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are primary causes of an irregular or missed periods. Higher amounts of androgens in PCOS can interfere with egg development and ovulation, leading to skipped or absent periods.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you miss menstrual periods, especially if you miss three in a row.