No Period for Years — Is That Possible?
An episode about absent periods after pregnancy and breastfeeding — what Dr Shilla sees, why it can happen, and when it is worth a conversation with your doctor.
Dear Mama — No Period for Years, Is That Possible?
Can someone really go for years without having a period? In this episode of Dear Mama, Dr Shilla shares the example of a patient who had three children consecutively and breastfed each child for around two years. With pregnancy followed by breastfeeding, then another pregnancy and another period of breastfeeding, it is possible for a woman to experience a prolonged stretch without menstruation. Dr Shilla explains why this can happen and why having no periods for an extended period does not automatically mean there is a cyst or another assumed underlying cause.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect menstruation — periods commonly stop during pregnancy, and breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation after delivery.
- Consecutive pregnancies can create a longer stretch without periods — when pregnancies and extended periods of breastfeeding happen in succession, the total period of time without menstruation can become surprisingly long.
- No periods does not automatically mean "cysts" — a prolonged absence of periods should not automatically be assumed to mean there is a cyst or a particular gynaecological condition. The individual circumstances and possible causes need to be considered.
- Context matters — pregnancy history, breastfeeding and what has been happening during those years are important when understanding why someone's periods have not returned.
- If you are concerned, discuss it with your doctor — there can be different reasons for absent periods. If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding and your periods have stopped unexpectedly, or you are concerned about your menstrual cycle, seek medical advice for an individual assessment.
Relevant FAQs
Dear Mama 🤍 This content is for general educational purposes only. Every woman’s circumstances are different, so please speak with your doctor for advice specific to you.
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