Common causes of secondary amenorrhea (when a woman who has had normal periods stops getting them) include:
Other causes of secondary amenorrhea include:
A woman who's had her uterus or ovaries taken out will also stop menstruating.
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Stopping the use of birth control
Menopause
Some birth control methods, such as Depo-Provera or certain types of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Stress
Poor nutrition
Depression
Certain prescription drugs
Extreme weight loss
Over-exercising
Ongoing illness
Sudden weight gain or being very overweight (obesity)
Hormonal imbalance due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid gland disorders
Tumors on the ovaries or brain (rare)