Reasons for absence of periods?

[dairymoo]

I BF my DTs until March when they were 19mo and got my period back when they were 17mo (i think!). I had three periods which seemed quite regular, about a 32-35 day cycle. Then....nothing. I now haven't had a period since the middle of Jan. I am almost 100% sure I'm not PG as I did a couple of tests a month or so again when I was getting a little concerned. What could be the reason behind this?

I always had pretty irregular periods before the DCs and put it down to mild PCOS. The only thing I can think of is that I am running quite a bit more than I was before Christmas, but have also put on a couple of pounds so don't think low BMI is the problem, although I am on the border of under/normal weight.

DH and I would like to start trying for #3 and so I'd like to get this sorted, if poss. Is it worth going to the GP - can they even do anything to help?

I don't have expert knowledge but I wanted to say that the BMI is not infallible for all body types.

In my youth I wanted to be fashionably thin. I ate very little and my periods stopped for over a year. I've just checked my BMI of the time and it was 18.9. Over 18.5 should be perfectly fine according to the chart. Still my doctor at the time said I was too thin and should put some weight on. I did and my periods and fertility returned.

Check with your doctor to see if 'on the border' is actually not a good weight for your fertility.
Even if that isn't it there is lots they can do to help. Good luck!

I would have blood tests done to find the underlying cause. If your periods were irregular previously they can revert back to this pattern.

PCOS is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently. The commonality though is the cystic follicles on the ovaries which disappear only to be replaced by further cystic follicles. This may be a reason as to why your periods have become absent.

Another possible cause is problems with the thyroid gland. Both this and PCOS should be checked for.

Thanks both for your replies. I have just booked in with the Family Planning Clinic so will go and have a chat about it then.

Think my BMI is about 19, which is in the 'healthy' range. I was about 17.8 whilst BF so maybe that had an affect? Seems weird that I got my period back (when BF) and then they stopped again when I put on a few pounds? Hope the GP can shed some light...