N91: Absent, scanty and rare menstruation

N91.4: Secondary oligomenorrhoea

The uterus consists mainly of a layer of muscle and a lining of mucous membrane (mucosal lining). The mucosal lining receives a good supply of blood and steadily increases in size. Unless an egg is fertilized, a large part of the mucosal lining is shed and replaced. The menstrual bleeding starts when the mucosal lining is shed. The uterus is connected to the vagina. During your menstrual bleeding the mucosal lining is discharged through the vagina to the outside of the body along with some blood.

Your periods are currently less frequent than usual. You previously had periods at normal intervals. Menstrual bleedings are controlled by various messenger substances. Changes in the levels of these messenger substances in the body can affect menstrual bleeding. They may mean that periods are less frequent, for example.