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  |  Women's Health  |  Gynaecological Health  |  No period for seven months
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Some surprising facts from the Colonel

No period for seven months

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I came off the pill in December. I had periods for two months but then they disappeared. It's been over seven months since my last period. I'm not pregnant and don't have a sexually transmitted infection. I've become moody and tearful with no real reason. I get frequent headaches and spots. I'm also putting on weight. What's wrong with me?

answer

Usually when periods fail to occur it is due to a hormone imbalance. The most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome, which can also be associated with weight gain, spots and excess hair. The PCOS would have occurred whether or not you were on the pill, but the withdrawal bleeds that occur with the pill masked the fact that your natural periods were becoming irregular. Another possibility is an underactive thyroid gland.

Try not to worry, as these hormone imbalances can usually be treated successfully once the underlying cause is found. As stress can also cause irregular periods, try to relax, exercise regularly and do your best to reduce any other causes of stress in your life.

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