Stopped periods out of the blue?

Laura0621 · 03-14-2008, 01:11 PM

Hi There

I am currently going through the testing phase for PCOS and suspect that I have it as I have high LH, a few cysts, acne that won't quit, etc. The reason that I even went to the doctor though was that my periods went from being normal and regular from the age of 13-30 (3 of those years on the pill, which I realize doesn't count as "normal" periods) to stopping completely last September. I don't understand why the dramatic change, especially since nothing happened lifestyle-wise to trigger it that I know of....weight is same (5'3, 110 lbs), diet same (fairly healthy, bit of chocolate addict though), exercise moderately and regularly as I always have.
Is it typical for periods to go from regular to non-existent like this? Does anyone have a similar experience or any insight??

Thank-you!

ihasaflavor · 03-14-2008, 03:50 PM

Something like this happened to me last year. I had normal periods, like clockwork from menarche onward, but around May 07 - Aug 07 I did not have any period at all. I went to the gynocologist in August and told him. They did an ultrasound and said I had cysts. They put me on the pill (Yaz) and luckily my period came back. I have been on it for about 6 months now and my periods have been pretty regular. But it just seemed totally random, I thought I was pregnant (even though I was not sexually active).

Laura0621 · 03-14-2008, 03:52 PM

Is Yaz a birth control pill? I want to get pregnant so BCP isn't an option for me right now. Did your doctor mention whether it was typical that periods would stop so abruptly like that? Do you have any other pcos symptoms...?

thanks!

ihasaflavor · 03-14-2008, 06:25 PM

Yes, Yaz is a low-dose BC pill. I don't know much about PCOS and what to take if you want to conceive though, but there is a whole section about pregnancy.

My Doctor did not seem too concerned, even though I was. I was his last patient and I think he wanted me to stop asking stupid questions lol. I don't really have any of the other symptoms...maybe a bit of belly fat, but it was just the missed periods.

mariamaria · 03-15-2008, 02:27 AM

Hi Laura,the same sort of thing happened to me, I stopped the bcp when we started ttc and had a few loooong cycles, then no period for a few months.
I was also diagosed with 'mild' PCOS, all my bloodwork is normal but I have polycystic ovaries, and irregular cycles, not bad though, around 32-37 days. My weight is normal though I do fluctuate easily up or down 5 lbs, otherwise I am of a normal weight for my height and apparently trying to lose weight is not an option according to my RE.
Maria

want2beamommy · 03-15-2008, 03:42 AM

in responce to your ? i had normal period from the age of 11 till i was 21 and then they started coming and going about every 6 months i am now 34 and i have not had one in 2 1/2 years i do though get all the symptoms but they say it it the pcos i wish i was still having them though. but yes it is common for woman to have this problem, woman with this disorder.

klayman · 03-25-2008, 09:17 PM

I have had normal periods every 34 days ever since I can remember. Last June I had a period and then did not have one until October. I has some light spotting from October to January. I have had 3 normal period Jan, Feb and March. I have been diagnosed with PCOS. I was going through a fair amount of stress from June to January. Has anyone else had the onset of PCOS symptoms after periods of stress and then had it get better?

Tummy · 03-26-2008, 09:46 AM

I had "normal" periods until about age 23 (was on bcp for about 3 of those years). When I went off I had 2 periods about 3 months apart and then nothing. Don't get them on my own at all anymore. For me it had nothing to do with stress or anything I did differently at the time, and it never got better. Since one of the major problems of PCOS is anovulation, many of us get few to no periods without medication to help us ovulate (i.e. Clomid, Femara) or to induce periods (Provera, Prometrium).

Laura0621 · 03-26-2008, 12:03 PM

When my periods stopped and I started realizing I may have PCO I had just ended a 5 month period where I worked very long hours. In hindsight, my stress levels were higher than normal and my eating habits were certainly below my typical standard. of course, it then stressed me out to stop having periods, realize I may have a hard time conceiving and that I have a "syndrome".

I had a weird period in January (12 days only spotting) and then had my first "normal" period since October this month (6 days, flow as I used to before this issue came about). I am hoping that my herbs and healthy lifestyle choices are helping me and my period this month wasn't a fluke. I am also starting accupuncuture next week -do you find it helps?

Anyway - who knows if stress brought on the missed periods but I would guess it was a contributing factor. Stress alters hormones and if yours were already borderline off-balance, like all of ours are, maybe the stress was the straw that broke the camels back. Anyone else have any insight? Does stress make your symptoms worse?

Good luck!

klayman · 03-27-2008, 02:46 PM

I think that it is coincidental that my stress was thru December and that I have had semi-normal periods January - March. I will say in regards to acupuncture that I am a believer! My first appointment she did a consultation and after telling me that she had treated women with this before and after 3 months they started to ovulate and mensturate on a regular basis, I was all for it. When she started putting the needles in, she told me that any strong sensation would indicate stagnation. She got to my right ovary and I nearly lept off the table. The day after, I had some cramping on that side and the following day I had the first normal period (like it was before the on-set) I have had in over 7 months. It was so normal that it took my lining down to the point where I would not have to get a D&C. I have had 3 appointments now and already I feel better and there is less physical symptoms of the syndrome. I also tend to get extremely stressed out about things and I have seen that subside as well. My accupuncturist is also willing to work with western medicine doctors, which I thought was a sign of her confidence in knowing what she is doing. I figure, what can it hurt?

Laura0621 · 03-28-2008, 09:15 AM

Wow - that is great that you had success with your treatment so far. I will let you know what my experience is....hopefully positive like yours!
Thanks for the information; it is helpful to know what did and did not work for people. On that note, a girl in another thread suggested I try saw palmetto for my acne and I am seeing good results after 3 weeks.