No periods - Why?

Liza wrote:

I am somewhat confused and concerned about the fact that I have not had a period in close to a year.

I am in my mid-20's and started having regular periods at 17, a couple years after my first period. I'm getting married in the spring and am concerned about the issue of children.

If I can't even have a period, how am I supposed to even think about children of my own?

What can cause sudden stops in a woman's menstural cycle?

I am an otherwise healthy, active woman.

Dear Liza,

Hold on there!

Yes, it could be serious, but there are also many non-serious reasons for irregular or missing periods.

Consider them in no particular order:

1. Lifestyle changes - not just 'stress', though that can be a major issue. have you changed your activity level, seen your weight change, or seen changes in other natural functions?

Menstruation can be affected by all sorts of minor matters.

2. Sexual activity and pregnancy. Well? Are you? It's almost guaranteed to stop periods, but may otherwise be invisible. If it's at all likely, take a test.

3. Health matters. It does. You say you are 'otherwise healthy' but are you? Little, easily treatable health problems can suppress normal menstruation.

If those thoughts do not help, then do seek advice, and soon - it is not likely to be serious, really - but if it is, then prompt attention makes all the difference.