Amenorrhea is often a sign of another health problem rather than a disease itself, and it can happen for many reasons. Amenorrhea can be a scary experience for some women and welcomed by others.
It can occur as a natural part of life, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also be a sign of a health problem, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What is Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. There are two main types of amenorrhea which are, primary and secondary amenorrhea.
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.
Causes of Amenorrhea
According to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child health and Human Development, the causes of Amenorrhea are:
- Natural causes, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Medications and therapies, such as Birth control pills, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for hematologic cancer, dilation and curettage (D&C), cesarean section, treatment of uterine fibroids.
- Hormonal problems, such as long-term illness, genetic defects or disorders, problems with the ovaries.
Symptoms of Amenorrhea
According to Everyday health, the major symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of periods. Other symptoms depends on the cause of your amenorrhea.
Other symptoms may include:
1.Weight gain or weight loss
2. Changes in breast size
3. Milky discharge from the breast
4. Acne
5. Hair loss
6. Increased facial hair growth
7. Headaches or vision changes
8. Pelvic pain
Amenorrhea Treatment
The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the cause of your amenorrhea.
Treatments for amenorrhea may include medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes,
1.Medical treatments for amenorrhea may include:
Hormonal medications, such as birthcontrol pills.
Medications for PCOS
2. Surgical treatments for amenorrhea may include:
Removal of scar tissue in the uterus
Removal of noncancerous pituitary tumor
3.Lifestyle changes may include:
Maintaining healthy weight
Reducing stress
Taking healthy meal.
According to Living Strong website, “women who have previously had normal menstrual cycles, and have experienced amenorrhea for at least one menstrual cycle, should see a doctor.”
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