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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Can Stop Menstrual Bleeding Unexpectedly?

Sometimes, medications or hormonal changes can suddenly stop menstrual bleeding cycles, which is called menstrual suppression. This can happen when doctors or patients use treatments to manage heavy bleeding or regulate the cycle.

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Explanation

Menstrual bleeding may stop unexpectedly when treatments meant to control heavy menstrual bleeding are used. One common way is with hormonal medications, like combined hormonal contraceptives. These medicines work by balancing the hormones in your body and can sometimes stop the uterus from shedding its lining, which means no period. Doctors might suggest these treatments if someone has very heavy or painful bleeding. Sometimes, this effect is intentional, and it is called menstrual suppression. There are also other reasons why bleeding might stop, such as abrupt hormonal changes or other medical conditions that affect hormone levels or extremely low calorie intake. In these cases, the body’s balance changes unexpectedly, and the lining of the uterus doesn’t build up or shed normally. If you notice that your menstrual bleeding stops suddenly, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. They can do tests, ask about any medications you’re using, and help figure out if this change is safe or if it needs treatment.

(References)

  • Maybin JA, Critchley HO. Medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016 Jan;12(1):27-34. doi: 10.2217/whe.15.100. Epub 2015 Dec 23. PMID: 26695687; PMCID: PMC4728737.

  • Lethaby A, Wise MR, Weterings MA, Bofill Rodriguez M, Brown J. Combined hormonal contraceptives for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Feb 11;2(2):CD000154. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000154.pub3. PMID: 30742315; PMCID: PMC6369862.

  • Buck E, McNally L, Vadakekut ES, et al. Menstrual Suppression. [Updated 2024 Jun 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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