You Asked: Period. Stop.

Short Take

A period itself is not a requirement for good health, but sometimes not getting your period can be a sign of a medical condition that needs investigation and possibly treatment.

[Have a question about women’s health? Ask Dr. Gunter yourself.]

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So much period mythology, so little time.

There is a very common — but false — belief that a period is necessary to remove “toxins” from the body. Consequently, many people worry that a lack of a period (or a very light period) leads to some kind of toxic build up of waste products. Suggesting to women that period blood is “dirty” or “toxic” is wrong on many levels. It is unscientific, shaming and hurtful, and spreads misinformation about a natural, purposeful biologic process.

A period does not remove anything from the body except the endometrium (uterine lining). During a menstrual cycle, the uterine lining builds up each month for a potential embryo. If no embryo implants, the uterine lining then sheds and is released from the body as a period. The cycle, or preparing the uterine lining, then begins again. If the uterine lining were filled with harmful substances, it would be a less than ideal place for an embryo.

Periods can stop occurring before menopause (average age is 51) for a variety of reasons. Some common causes are:

If your periods stop for three months or longer you should check in with your doctor. Go even sooner if there is any chance you could be pregnant.

Stopping Periods on Purpose

Hormonal contraception can be used to stop periods. This is also not harmful, just as not having a period while pregnant is not a medical concern.

When you stop a period using hormonal birth control, the progestin (a progesterone-like hormone) prevents the uterine lining from ever building up. Because the lining of the uterus remains very thin, there is nothing to come out as a period. This method of period management is completely reversible, so when these medications are stopped, the menstrual cycle will resume. You should always assume your fertility returns as soon as birth control is discontinued, but your period may not appear for one to two months. Sometimes it can take a little longer if you discontinue taking a birth control containing depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (such as Depo-Provera).

Dr. Jen Gunter, Twitter’s resident gynecologist, is teaming up with our editors to answer your questions about all things women’s health. From what’s normal for your anatomy, to healthy sex, to clearing up the truth behind strange wellness claims, Dr. Gunter, who also writes a column called, The Cycle, promises to handle your questions with respect, forthrightness and honesty.