The side effects of not having periods (amenorrhea) can vary depending on the underlying cause but can include changes in breast size, weight fluctuations, vaginal dryness, and other hormonal changes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Hormonal Imbalance Effects:
- Breast Changes: You might experience discharge from the breast or noticeable changes in breast size. This could be due to hormonal fluctuations affecting breast tissue.
- Weight Fluctuations: Hormonal imbalances can impact metabolism, leading to unexpected weight gain or weight loss.
- Voice Changes: In some cases, a lack of periods can be linked to hormonal shifts that affect the vocal cords, leading to subtle voice changes.
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Reproductive Health Impacts:
- Vaginal Dryness: A lack of estrogen, often associated with absent periods, can cause vaginal dryness, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
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Androgen-Related Effects (if related to conditions like PCOS):
- Acne and Increased Hair Growth: Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can cause amenorrhea, may lead to increased androgen levels, resulting in acne and increased hair growth in a male-like pattern (hirsutism).
It's important to note that the absence of periods itself isn't the direct cause of these side effects, but rather an indicator of an underlying issue (hormonal imbalance, medical condition, etc.) that also causes these side effects.
If you are experiencing absent periods, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.