Reproductive health
Medicines for Amenorrhoea (absent periods)
When periods do not start, or stop for several months, in someone not pregnant or past the menopause — with many causes, most of which are treatable.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Amenorrhoea (absent periods)?
Amenorrhoea means the absence of menstrual periods. It is described in two ways: "primary" amenorrhoea, where periods have not started by the expected age in a young person, and "secondary" amenorrhoea, where someone who previously had periods stops having them for several months (and is not pregnant or past the menopause).
- How it is treated: The approach is to identify the cause, starting with excluding pregnancy, and then treating it.
- Self-care: Where amenorrhoea relates to low weight, excessive exercise or stress, addressing these (with support) often restores periods and protects health.
- When to seek help: See a GP if periods have not started by the mid-teens, or if periods stop for several months and you are not pregnant or past the menopause, so the cause can be found and treated.
What it is
Amenorrhoea means the absence of menstrual periods. It is described in two ways: "primary" amenorrhoea, where periods have not started by the expected age in a young person, and "secondary" amenorrhoea, where someone who previously had periods stops having them for several months (and is not pregnant or past the menopause). The most common reason for periods to stop is pregnancy, which is always considered first. Other causes are wide-ranging and include hormonal conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid problems), significant weight loss, excessive exercise, stress, some medicines and contraceptives, problems with the pituitary gland (such as a raised prolactin level), and, in primary amenorrhoea, developmental or genetic conditions. Periods stopping can itself have effects on health (for example on bone strength if oestrogen is low). Because the causes vary so much, and most are treatable, assessment to find the reason is worthwhile.
How it is treated
The approach is to identify the cause, starting with excluding pregnancy, and then treating it. Assessment includes a history, examination, and tests such as hormone blood tests and, where relevant, an ultrasound scan or other investigations, guided by the likely cause. Treatment depends on the reason: for example, addressing weight, over-exercising or stress where these are responsible; treating a thyroid problem or raised prolactin; managing PCOS; or, for certain conditions, hormone treatment to restore periods and protect bone health. Where fertility is desired, specific treatments may help. Because low oestrogen over time can affect bones, protecting bone health is considered where relevant. In primary amenorrhoea, specialist assessment identifies and manages the underlying cause. The reassuring message is that absent periods usually have an identifiable and treatable cause, and it is worth seeking help rather than ignoring it.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Amenorrhoea (absent periods)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Where amenorrhoea relates to low weight, excessive exercise or stress, addressing these (with support) often restores periods and protects health. Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced approach to exercise, and managing any underlying condition, all help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if periods have not started by the mid-teens, or if periods stop for several months and you are not pregnant or past the menopause, so the cause can be found and treated. Also see a doctor about periods stopping with other symptoms such as milk production or excessive hair growth.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Amenorrhoea (absent periods): frequently asked questions
What is the most common reason for periods to stop?
Pregnancy is the most common reason, so it is always considered first. Other causes include hormonal conditions (such as PCOS or thyroid problems), significant weight loss, excessive exercise, stress, and pituitary problems.
Do absent periods need treating?
Usually the underlying cause is identified and treated, which often restores periods. It is worth assessing, as most causes are treatable, and prolonged low oestrogen can affect bone health, so protecting the bones may also be needed.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Stopped or missed periods
- NICE CKS — Amenorrhoea
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