Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a common issue, and although it’s not a life-threatening problem, it can lead to serious complications.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period, and it has two types:

• Primary amenorrhea: it means not getting the first period by the age of 15.
• Secondary period: it means missing three or more periods in a row.

Causes and risk factors of amenorrhea

• Causes of primary amenorrhea: genetics, hormonal problems, and structural problems in the sexual organs (like missing parts of the uterus or vagina or an underdeveloped reproductive system).
• Causes of secondary amenorrhea: structural issues (like uterine scarring), certain birth control methods (like some medications and intrauterine devices), stress, strenuous exercise, extreme weight gain or loss, certain medications (like antipsychotics, chemotherapy and radiation, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and allergy medications), and some conditions (such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid issues, pituitary problems, primary ovarian insufficiency, ovarian tumors, and chronic conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease).
• The risk of amenorrhea increases due to the following factors: family history, eating disorders, obesity, and poor nutrition.

Symptoms of amenorrhea

• Lack of periods is the main symptom. Other symptoms of amenorrhea differ depending on the cause, and they may include milky discharge from the nipples, headaches, acne, excess hair growth, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and vision changes.
• Amenorrhea can lead to infertility, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, pelvic pain, and psychological stress.

Diagnosis of amenorrhea

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Pelvic exam.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of amenorrhea

• Treating amenorrhea depends on the cause.
• The risk of amenorrhea can be reduced by avoiding stress, having a healthy weight, and not exhausting the body more than what it can take.