Absence of Menstruation Since May 2020
I find myself feeling completely lost about my situation. For the past four to five years, I've consistently discussed with my family doctor the fact that I haven't experienced a menstrual period since May 2020, yet they appear indifferent to my concerns. Even when I sought help at the emergency room, my issue was merely brushed aside. My boyfriend, who hopes to have children in the future, is left wondering about our prospects, given my uncertainty about my ability to conceive at this time. As context, I’m a 25-year-old woman. I had regular menstrual cycles starting at age 12, but around my 10th-grade year in high school, things began to change. Initially, my periods would skip a month or two, then they extended to every three to four months, and ultimately, I received one about every six months until that last occurrence in May 2020. I also noticed that my menstrual flow was becoming lighter over time; my final cycles were merely spotting rather than what I would consider a typical period. In fact, I never required tampons during my regular menstrual cycles because I generally experienced light bleeding. Since 2020, I’ve undergone two Pap smears—one in 2022 and the other in October 2024—both of which returned normal results. However, I must admit, these tests were excruciatingly painful! After my second Pap smear, I experienced bleeding for two to three days and left the clinic in tears. It's worth noting that I only recently became sexually active last month (in 2025), so my experience is limited up until now. Additionally, my partner and I are having significant difficulties with penetration; it’s extremely painful, and he struggles to insert even an inch or two without causing considerable discomfort. Each attempt results in bleeding as well. I feel utterly perplexed about what’s happening with my body, yet the healthcare providers I’ve consulted seem unconcerned about my plight. I am reaching out from Canada 🇨🇦 and would appreciate any insights.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 2:01:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your challenging experience and the emotional burden it has placed on you. The absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) and the painful experiences you're facing with penetration are significant issues that need to be addressed seriously.
Main Points:
- Absence of Menstruation: The lack of menstrual cycles since May 2020 could be due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, or underlying health conditions.
- Painful Intercourse: The pain you're experiencing during attempts at penetration is also a concern and can complicate any future family planning.
- Next Steps: It's essential to pursue further evaluation to understand the causes and discuss possible treatments.
Explanation:
- Amenorrhea: When a woman hasn’t had her period for more than three months, it’s called amenorrhea. This condition can occur due to several reasons such as hormonal disorders, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions (like polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues).
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Pain during sexual activity, especially if it leads to bleeding, can stem from various factors including physical conditions, psychological factors, or insufficient arousal.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your menstrual cycle (or lack thereof), any symptoms of pain, stress levels, and any lifestyle changes. Documenting these can help healthcare providers better understand your situation.
-
Seek Specialized Care: If your current healthcare providers are dismissive, consider seeking care from a gynecologist who specializes in reproductive health, hormonal issues, or sexual dysfunction. They may run tests (like hormone levels, ultrasound, or other diagnostics) to identify potential issues.
-
Address Painful Intercourse: Communicate openly with your partner about your pain and discomfort. Consider working with a therapist or a sexual health specialist who can help address any anxiety and provide techniques that might ease discomfort during intercourse.
-
Discuss Fertility Concerns: Given your partner’s hopes for children, discussing fertility options early on with a specialist can help you both understand potential paths forward, whether that means addressing the amenorrhea or exploring reproductive options.
-
Mental Health Support: Given the anxiety and emotional stress you’re experiencing, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can provide coping strategies and emotional support as you navigate these health challenges.
Your feelings of confusion and frustration are completely valid, and finding healthcare professionals who listen and support you is crucial. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek the help you deserve.
Related Questions
Assessing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
To condense my situation, I am now on the 21st day of my menstrual cycle with no sign of it concluding. The flow has been unusually heavy throughout, to the extent that I’ve had to change my menstrual discs within just a couple of hours due to overflow, accompanied by significant clotting. I visited a new gynecological office yesterday to establish care since my regular GYN won’t be available until June. However, this appointment allows me to see another clinician at the end of April. During my visit, we talked about scheduling a transvaginal ultrasound, and I began a course of medroxyprogesterone at a daily dosage of 10 mg, which I will take for the next ten days. Unfortunately, my night was quite troublesome, marked by excessive bleeding even with an ultra tampon in use. My primary concern right now is the risk of anemia. I ordered a CBC test through Labcorp on Monday out of sheer curiosity, which revealed my red blood cell count was at 3.64 and my hemoglobin level was at 10.9. The provider repeated the CBC along with an iron panel, and as of early yesterday afternoon, my results were: - Red Blood Cells: 3.3 - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Hematocrit: 31 - Iron: 24 - Iron saturation percentage: 6 - Ferritin: 12 I am trying to remain calm and patient with the progression of events, but I recognize that I have been losing a considerable amount of blood since these tests. With the weekend here, I’m increasingly anxious as I likely won’t receive any updates until Monday. Do my lab results indicate the need for immediate medical attention? I intend to commence taking 325 mg of oral ferrous sulfate today to address my iron levels.
Seeking Guidance from India: Battling Burping Attacks During Exercise
At the age of 45, I maintain a lifestyle that involves no smoking or drinking. Employed in the IT sector, I typically have a sedentary routine and do not engage in regular physical activity. My body mass index (BMI) stands at 26, categorizing me as ‘skinny fat’—I’m not overweight, but I do possess some abdominal fat. My predominant concern arises when I attempt to exercise. Even after ensuring a three-hour interval post-meal, I frequently endure unexpected bouts of burping. These episodes are accompanied by a heavy, tight sensation in my chest, leading to breathing difficulties that provoke feelings of anxiety. Even mild exercises like cycling or performing two to three push-ups can trigger these episodes, and the discomfort persists for over an hour before finally easing. Interestingly, I do not experience heartburn or burping at any other time, only during or following physical exertion. I sought expertise from a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which indicated mild gastritis but showed no signs of a hiatal hernia or other irregularities. Additionally, a cardiology assessment that included CT Coronary Angiography revealed no concerns, and a pulmonologist confirmed that my lung function is satisfactory. Due to my limited physical activity, my endurance is quite low. My desire to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle is strong, yet the sensations I feel—similar to air trapped in my chest wishing to escape—thwart my efforts. I've noticed that exercising on an empty stomach, particularly early in the morning, seems to stave off these burping issues. My professional environment is not overly demanding, which adds to my frustration. After incurring significant expenses for medical advice, I find myself at a loss with no clear indication of how to move forward. The root cause remains elusive and raises questions: Could it be linked to anxiety or stress? Even simple tasks, like playing football with my son or carrying heavy bags, can instigate these uncomfortable burping attacks, which linger for an hour or two. In this situation, I feel bewildered, disheartened, and utterly spent.
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!