Im 22, why dont I get a period anymore?

Question

Ok so im 22, suddenly gained 50 lbs in the past year and half and my period has been nonexistant for the last 3 years. ive been on birth control pills since 15, and i used to get a period, they actually made it regular, but now all of a sudden, if i do get something its just spotting of brown black blood, not even a teaspoonful and then thats it. anyone experience this or anything? im a little confused here and my doctors have been no help they even gave me laprascopic surgery and cant figure this out, anyone with similar circumstances? other side effects, nausea, hot flashes, ect...im 22 what is going on?!

and how have i been pregnant for 3 years?? explain that one to me you wise guys!!! lets be serious pls!

Answer 1

Two things popped in to my mind right away....

1. PCOS ......

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly),

I have PCOS and my story is similiar to yours.. I actually founded an organization Project PCOS http://www.projectpcos.org

Here is some info about PCOS from the site....

Women with PCOS may have some of the following symptoms

Amenorrhea (no menstrual period), infrequent menses, and/or oligomenorrhea (irregular bleeding) — Cycles are often greater than six weeks in length, with eight or fewer periods in a year. Irregular bleeding may include lengthy bleeding episodes, scant or heavy periods, or frequent spotting.

Oligo or anovulation (infrequent or absent ovulation) — While women with PCOS produce follicles — which are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that contain an egg — the follicles often do not mature and release as needed for ovulation. It is these immature follicles that create the cysts.

Cystic ovaries — Classic PCOS ovaries have a "string of pearls" or "pearl necklace" appearance with many cysts (fluid-filled sacs). It is difficult to diagnose PCOS without the presence of some cysts or ovarian enlargement, but sometimes more subtle alterations may not have been recorded, or are not recognized as abnormal, by the ultrasonographer.

Enlarged ovaries — Polycystic ovaries are usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal.

Chronic pelvic pain — The exact cause of this pain isn't known, but it may be due to enlarged ovaries leading to pelvic crowding. It is considered chronic when it has been noted for greater than six months.

Obesity or weight gain — Commonly a woman with PCOS will have what is called an apple figure where excess weight is concentrated heavily in the abdomen, similar to the way men often gain weight, with comparatively narrower arms and legs. The hip:waist ratio is smaller than on a pear-shaped woman — meaning there is less difference between hip and waist measurements. It should be noted that most, but not all, women with PCOS are overweight.

Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and diabetes — Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's use of insulin is inefficient. It is usually accompanied by compensatory hyperinsulinemia — an over-production of insulin. Both conditions often occur with normal glucose levels, and may be a precursor to diabetes, in which glucose intolerance is further decreased and blood glucose levels may also be elevated.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) — Blood pressure readings over 140/90.

Hirsutism (excess hair) — Excess hair growth such as on the face, chest, abdomen, thumbs, or toes.

Alopecia (male-pattern baldness or thinning hair) — The balding is more common on the top of the head than at the temples.

Acne/Oily Skin/Seborrhea — Oil production is stimulated by overproduction of androgens. Seborrhea is dandruff — flaking skin on the scalp caused by excess oil.

Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin, tan to dark brown/black) — Most commonly on the back of the neck, but also but also in skin creases under arms, breasts, and between thighs, occasionally on the hands, elbows and knees. The darkened skin is usually velvety or rough to the touch.

Acrochordons (skin tags) — Tiny flaps (tags) of skin that usually cause no symptoms unless irritated by rubbing.



The other thing that crossed my mind was the possibilit of POF - premature ovarian failure....

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as the cessation of ovarian function prior to the age of 40. It is diagnosed in women under age 40 when ovarian function ceases, resulting in an end or pause in menstruation, the onset of menopausal symptoms, and a decline in the production of estrogen and eggs, resulting in infertility.

Also, there are other things such as endometriosis that can cause non-exsistent menstrual cycles.

In any case, you wnat to see a doctor, as it is not good for our lining not to shed and cause a host of much more serious problems including endometrial cancer!!!!!

You may want to consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in mesntrual irregualrties and hormonal imbalances.

Answer 2

I have had periods like this on and off. What gets me is thinking what is it all about. What does it all mean. Like you are outside looking in and the world is passing you by and you are a spectator. Like the show 'Lost'. You need to find a goal. Even just a simple one for the day. Pick one thing today and do it. You need to build some confidence in your self. Have a done list not a to do list. What have you done today. This too shall pass. I call them desert periods. Life is a constant change. You will feel different some other time. Have patience.

Answer 3

1. Are you pregnant?
2. Have you tried stopping the pill to see if your periods return?
3. Have you changed type of pills? The new ones do make your periods disappear.
4. Have you seen a gynecologist about this?
5. The other type of MD to see would be a endocrinologist.

If it were my body I'd stop the pill, switch to alternative birth control and see if my body readjusts in weight and periods.

By the way, the pill gave me a stroke at age 30. I was not a smoker or overweight.

Answer 4

Honestly, some women just have irregular periods. First before anything, you need to rule out pregnancy because it is possible to get a period and still be pregnant. It could be a hormone imbalance, it could be your level of stress or possibly a more complicated health reason. Definitely see your doctor I am 22 as well so you should definitely be getting regular periods.

Answer 5

you need to get to a doctor, the pills have caused a problem!

Answer 6

Well I can tell you right now....there's something wrong! Go get another opinion.

Answer 7

Cyst in ur ovaries?

Answer 8

Your pregnant

Answer 9

early menopause? maybe you are becoming infertile (therefore won't have a period).

Answer 10

your period is either out of whack(cysts)or your pregnant.