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Blocking periods : symptoms and solutions

Occasionally, your periods may be absent for several weeks or even months at a time, or even "blocked". This is called periods blockage, or amenorrhea. How and why does this happen? We explain!

Contents

 

What are the symptoms of periods blockage?

First of all, it's important to understand that amenorrhea can be divided into two categories:

  • Primary amenorrhea is simply the fact of never having had periods. Primary amenorrhea is generally defined as menstruation occurring later than average. Of course, there is no normal age for menstruation periods : each woman has her own rhythm. 
  • In the case ofsecondary amenorrhea, symptoms can appear at any stage in a woman's life, from the moment she has already had her first periods . To qualify as secondary amenorrhea, the blockage of the menstrual flow or theabsence of periods must occur for at least 3 months, outside pregnancy, breastfeeding or the menopause. This means 3 months without ovulation and periods in short, when the cycle is paused. Secondary amenorrhea can also cause symptoms such as hot flushes or pelvic or uterine pain.

What are the causes and origins of the periods blockage?

periods can be blocked for a number of reasons.

Taking hormonal contraception

Some hormonal contraceptives can stop periods. This is the case with certain pills, and also with women wearing a hormonal implant or IUD. 

When a woman decides to stop taking the pill, for example, the hormonal change that takes place at that moment can lead to a (temporary) cessation of periods. 

This blockage of periods can last more or less time, depending on the woman. Some women will not return to their natural cycle and periods for 6 months, while others will have them again in just a few months or weeks. 

Pregnancy or menopause

When we think of a cessation of periods, the first cause that comes to mind is of course pregnancy. In fact, it's the leading cause of amenorrhea. 

But don't panic, pregnancy isn't the only factor lthat can cause you to stop periods.

Menopause is, as you would expect, a logical reason for stopping periods. Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Before that, during the premenopausal period, periods s 's gradually stop, and losses are irregular. So it's not uncommon not to have your periods for several months, then for them to reappear, before stalling for several more months.

If you have any questions or concerns about this phenomenon, consult your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife!

Breastfeeding after childbirth

When you're breastfeeding after giving birth, it's normal for your periods to be gone. The length of time it takes to return from childbirth varies from person to person, and it's normal for it to take longer if you're breastfeeding. 

Psychological shock

The mind also plays a very important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of periods. Stress can delay, and in some cases block, the onset of bleeding.

If you suffer a psychological shock, your periodic flow may also be affected.

Other causes of periods

periods blockage can also be caused by other factors, such as :

  • polycystic ovary syndrome 
  • practising a sport too intensely (an estimated 50% of top-level athletes are affected by these causes)
  • pituitary causes
  • taking medication
  • eating disorders
  • uterine scars or uterine causes

What are the treatments for periods blockage?

Fortunately, periods blockage disorder is not a fatality, and there are solutions to help periods reappear. Before considering any treatment, it's important to identify the cause of the problem. 

Hormonal treatments

If your lack of periods is due to a hormonal imbalance, such as a deficiency of estrogen and/or progesterone, then a hormone treatment to regulate this would be a good solution.

Surgical treatment

On the other hand, if the blockage of periods is linked to a malformation, surgery may be considered to restore the menstrual cycle.

Psychotherapy

Since an absence of periods can be the result of a psychological shock, psychotherapy can be a very good solution. Generally speaking, it's important not to leave your mental health to one side: it's just as important to take care of it as your physical health.

Alternative medicine

Finally, to alleviate causes such as stress, alternative medicine such as sophrology or naturopathy can help you relax and combat anxiety, eating disorders etc...

Should you consult a specialist if your periods is blocked?

If you're worried about your tardiness and it's persisting, we recommend that you consult a professional. He or she will be able to guide you and, if necessary, prescribe examinations or treatments tailored to you and your particular problem.

Don't panic: the absence of menstruation is not necessarily due to pregnancy or something serious.

 

Blocking FAQs periods

What are the symptoms of a blocked periods ?

When periods, also known as amenorrhea, is blocked, the first symptom is of course the absence of menstrual flow. But it can also be accompanied by pain or hot flushes, depending on the cause of the lack of bleeding. Of course, every body is different.

Why are my periods blocked?

lThere are many possible reasons for periods 's blockage: stress, psychological shock, pregnancy, menopause, sopk, medication, etc. Only lcan help you determine the cause of the blockage.

What are the solutions for blocking periods ?

There are many ways to treat blockages on periods , depending on the cause.

 

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