Amenorrhea - Absence of Period or Menstruation

Amenorrhea is the lack of menstruation, which is often described as missing one or more menstrual periods.

Amenorrhea types:

Primary amenorrhea occurs when a female does not get her first period by the age of 15 or 16.

Secondary Amenorrhea: A woman is considered to have this sort of amenorrhea if she does not have her usual periods for three or more months after having them regularly in the past.

What are the causes of Amenorrhea?

Primary amenorrhea may be caused by ovarian malformations, problems with the reproductive organs, or problems with the pituitary glands or central nervous system. The most common causes are hormone imbalances and anatomical problems.

Causes of Secondary Amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea is often caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding, discontinuing birth control (post-pill amenorrhoea), and menopause. Natural causes of secondary amenorrhea include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

Secondary amenorrhea may occur in women who take contraception. Those who use oral contraceptives may not have periods even after discontinuing the medications for a period of time before regular ovulation and menstruation begin.

Hormonal factors

Premature menopause (secondary amenorrhea): In this condition, the ovaries may cease to function before the age of 40. When this occurs, the ovarian supply of eggs decreases, and periods stop.

A benign or noncancerous pituitary tumour may interfere with the regular functioning of the ovaries and the hormonal control of menstruation.

Thyroid gland dysfunction, which may be caused by either an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), can induce irregular menstruation and amenorrhea.

PCOD (polycystic ovarian syndrome): High and persistent levels of hormones, as found in PCOS, may interrupt the normal menstrual cycle, resulting in amenorrhea or irregular menstruation.

Structural Problems of the Reproductive Organs

Any irregular membrane or wall (an obstruction) in the vagina may prevent blood flow from the uterus and cervix.

Underdeveloped reproductive organs: structural abnormalities in the uterus, cervix, or vagina may occur during foetal development, resulting in the reproductive system failing to completely develop. In such circumstances, menstrual periods are not possible later in life.

Uterine scarring is a disorder in which scar tissue forms in the uterine lining. It may also happen following uterine fibroids therapy, a cesarean section, or a dilation and curettage procedure. The scarring inhibits the uterine lining from accumulating and shedding.

Lifestyle Factors

Some of the lifestyle variables that might lead to amenorrhea include low body weight, severe stress, long and strenuous activities such as sports training, weight-lifting, muscle strengthening and endurance building exercises, and other activities.

What are the causes of amenorrhea?

The following factors may raise your risk of amenorrhea:

Your chance of getting amenorrhea rises if you have an eating problem such as anorexia; intense sports training and muscle building activities - hard workouts may also raise your risk. Similarly, a woman with a significant family history may be susceptible to amenorrhea. Amenorrhea may also be aggravated by some gynecological treatments.

The treatment of amenorrhea is determined by the underlying cause. Don’t delay in seeking treatment as amenorrhea can cause other issues such as infertility, pregnancy-related complications, pelvic pain, psychological stress, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

To know more about menstrual health, consult Dr. Neha Lalla one of the best Indian Gynaecologist in Dubai.

You may also read: What are the Factors That Can Affect Fertility

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