Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. It means the absence of menstrual periods for more than three months in a row or the lack of periods by age 15.

Amenorrhea: What You Need to Know

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Amenorrhea is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. It means the absence of menstrual periods for more than three months in a row or the lack of periods by age 15. Amenorrhea can have various causes, such as hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, stress, low body weight, excessive exercise, or certain medications. Amenorrhea can also be a sign of an underlying problem with the reproductive organs, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, or congenital abnormalities.

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Symptoms Of Amenorrhea

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The main symptom of amenorrhea is the lack of periods. Other symptoms may depend on the cause and include:

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  • Milky nipple discharge
  • Hair loss
  • Headache
  • Vision changes
  • Excess facial hair
  • Pelvic pain
  • Acne

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If you have amenorrhea, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order some tests to check your hormone levels, pregnancy status, and ovarian function. You may also need an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI to look for any structural problems in your uterus or ovaries.

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Treatments Of Amenorrhea

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The treatment of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and your personal goals. Some possible treatments are:

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  • Hormone therapy: This may include birth control pills, patches, injections, or implants to regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent bone loss.
  • Medications: These may include drugs to treat thyroid disorders, pituitary tumours, or high prolactin levels that may cause amenorrhea.
  • Surgery: This may be needed to correct any anatomical defects or remove any tumours or cysts that may interfere with your periods.
  • Lifestyle changes: These may include reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, gaining or losing weight, and exercising moderately.

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Conclusion

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Amenorrhea can affect your quality of life and your fertility. It can also increase your risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you have amenorrhea and follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment.

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Sources:

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Mayo Clinic. (2020). Amenorrhea - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299

Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Amenorrhea: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3924-amenorrhea

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Wikipedia. (2021). Amenorrhea. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenorrhea