AMENORRHEA AND CAUSES

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding in a woman of reproductive age.

Amenorrhea has two main types:

Primary Amenorrhea: This is when a girl over age 15 has never had her period.

Secondary Amenorrhea: This is when a woman who has had regular periods stops having her period for six months or longer.

The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy. Other causes of amenorrhea include problems with the reproductive organs or with the glands that help regulate hormone levels. Treatment of the underlying condition often resolves amenorrhea.

SYMPTOMS:

The main sign of amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, you might experience other signs or symptoms along with the absence of periods, such as:

·         Milky nipple discharge

·         Hair loss

·         Headache

·         Vision changes

·         Excess facial hair

·         Pelvic pain

·         Acne

CAUSES:

Amenorrhea can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are normal during the course of a woman's life, while others may be a side effect of medication or a sign of a medical problem.

 During the normal course of life, one may experience amenorrhea for natural reasons, such as:

·         Pregnancy

·         Breast-feeding

·         Menopause

MEDICATION/CONTRACEPTIVES: Some women who take birth control pills may not have periods. This may continue even after stopping oral contraceptives, it may take some time before regular ovulation and menstruation return. Contraceptives that are injected or implanted also may cause amenorrhea, as can some types of intrauterine devices.

Certain medications can also cause menstrual periods to stop, including some types of:

·         Antipsychotics

·         Cancer chemotherapy

·         Antidepressants

·         Blood pressure drugs

·         Allergy medications

STRESS: Mental stress can temporarily alter the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Ovulation and menstruation may stop as a result. Regular menstrual periods usually resume after stress decreases.

HORMONAL IMBALANCE: Many types of medical problems can cause hormonal imbalance, including:

·         Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

·         Thyroid malfunction.

·         Pituitary tumor.

Problems with the sexual organs themselves also can cause amenorrhea. Examples include:

·         Lack of reproductive organs. Sometimes problems arise during fetal development that lead to a girl being born without some major part of her reproductive system, such as her uterus, cervix or vagina. Because her reproductive system didn't develop normally, she can't have menstrual cycles.

·         Structural abnormality of the vagina. An obstruction of the vagina may prevent visible menstrual bleeding. A membrane or wall may be present in the vagina that blocks the outflow of blood from the uterus and cervix.

RISK FACTORS:

Factors that may increase your risk of amenorrhea includes:

·         Family history. If other women in your family have experienced amenorrhea, you may inherit a predisposition for the problem.

·         Eating disorders. If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, you are at higher risk of developing amenorrhea.

·         Athletic training. Rigorous athletic training can increase your risk of amenorrhea.

TREATMENT:

Treatment usually depends on the cause of the amenorrhea.

Treatments for amenorrhea may include medications, surgery, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these measures.

Lifestyle changes may include:

• Taking steps to reach a healthy weight and maintain that weight (if you're under- or overweight)
• Interventions to reduce stress
• If you're an athlete, modifying the way you train or eat

Medical treatments for amenorrhea may include:

• Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Medications for PCOS

Surgical treatments for amenorrhea may include:

• Removal of scar tissue in the uterus
• Removal of noncancerous pituitary tumor