what are the causes of amenorrhea

Common Causes

These include:

• Infertility and problems with pregnancy. If you don't ovulate and don't have menstrual periods, you can't become pregnant. ...
• Psychological stress. Not having periods when your peers are having theirs can be stressful, especially for young people who are transitioning into adulthood.
• Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. ...
• Pelvic pain. ...

Related Conditions

You may also have conditions that can cause secondary amenorrhea:

• Primary ovarian insufficiency, when you experience menopause before age 40.
• Hypothalamus disorders, such as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) — which is also called hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). ...
• Pituitary disorders, such as a benign pituitary tumor or excessive production of prolactin.

More items...

What is the most common cause of amenorrhea?

The most common causes of primary amenorrhea relate to hormone levels, although anatomical problems also can cause amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of three or more periods in a row by someone who has had periods in the past.

Which chronic diseases can cause amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea Signs and Symptoms The most significant indication of amenorrhea is the loss of a regular menstrual period but it does not end at that. Given that amenorrhea affects the ability of a female metabolism to regulate hormone production, amenorrhea signs and symptoms frequently include skin and hair problems such as acne, excessive body ...

What causes amenorrhea and what does it mean?

What are the signs and symptoms of amenorrhea?

What causes secondary amenorrhea?

Pregnancy is the most common natural cause of secondary amenorrhea. Other physiologic causes include breastfeeding and menopause. Medications and therapies. Certain birth control pills, injectable contraceptives, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause amenorrhea.

What is the name of the condition where a woman's body produces more androgens than normal?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS occurs when a woman's body produces more androgens (a type of hormone) than normal. High levels of androgens can cause fluid-filled sacs or cysts to grow in the ovaries, interfering with the release of eggs (ovulation). Most women with PCOS either have amenorrhea or experience irregular periods, ...

What is the name of the hormone that starts the menstrual cycle?

This condition occurs when the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that regulates body processes, slows or stops releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the hormone that starts the menstrual cycle. 7 Common characteristics of women with hypothalamic amenorrhea include: 8. Low body weight.

What is the main symptom of a gynecological disorder?

Some medical conditions or illnesses. Gynecological conditions, specifically those that lead to or result from hormone imbalances, may also have secondary amenorrhea as a main symptom. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What causes ovaries to stop working?

Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities can cause the ovaries to stop functioning normally. Turner syndrome, a condition caused by a partially or completely missing X chromosome, and androgen insensitivity syndrome, often characterized by high levels of testosterone, are two examples of genetic abnormalities that can delay or disrupt menstruation.

Is amenorrhea a disease?

Amenorrhea is often a sign of another health problem rather than a disease itself, and it can happen for many reasons. 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). Because amenorrhea is associated with health conditions ...

Can a blockage of the reproductive tract cause amenorrhea?

In rare cases, physical problems—such as missing reproductive organs or blockage of reproductive passageways—can also lead to primary amenorrhea. Missing portions of the reproductive tract can cause endocrine disruptions and may combine with hypothalamic or pituitary problems to prevent menstruation. Blockages may also prevent menstrual bleeding, making it seem like a girl has primary amenorrhea, even if her menstrual cycles are actually normal. 3

What causes amenorrhea in women?

Common causes of primary amenorrhea include: Chromosomal or genetic problem with the ovaries (the female sex organs that hold the eggs). Hormonal issues stemming from problems with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. Structural problem with the reproductive organs, such as missing parts of the reproductive system.

What causes secondary amenorrhea?

Common causes of secondary amenorrhea include: Pregnancy (which is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea). Breastfeeding. Menopause. Some birth control methods, such as Depo Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and certain birth control pills. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.

What is the process of shedding the lining of the uterus?

A complex system of hormones controls the menstrual cycle. Every month, hormones prepare the body for pregnancy. Ovulation then occurs. If there is no pregnancy, the cycle ends with the uterus shedding its lining. That shedding is the menstrual period.

How long does amenorrhea last?

If amenorrhea lasts for more than three months, it should be investigated.

Is amenorrhea a treatable condition?

Amenorrhea is often the sign of a treatable condition. With treatment, your regular menstrual cycle will usually resume. Appointments 216.444.6601. Appointments & Locations. Have My Baby at Cleveland Clinic. Overview. Symptoms and Causes. Diagnosis and Tests. Management and Treatment.

Is amenorrhea a symptom of anorexia?

Amenorrhea may be a symptom of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder. If you or a loved one has this condition, talk to a healthcare provider immediately so you can get the right treatment.

When do you get primary amenorrhea?

Primary amenorrhea is when you haven’t gotten a first period by age 15 or within five years of the first signs of puberty. It can happen due to changes in organs, glands and hormones related to menstruation.

What age do you have amenorrhea?

There are two main types of amenorrhea. Those who haven’t begun to menstruate by age 16 may have primary amenorrhea. The term also applies to abnormalities in the reproductive tract that prevent menstrual bleeding.

Can missing a period cause osteoporosis?

Outlook for people with amenorrhea. While missing a period may not seem like a health crisis, it can carry health risks. If it’s linked to hormonal changes, it may affect your bone density, raising your risk for fractures and osteoporosis. It can also make it harder to get pregnant if you’re trying.

Can amenorrhea make it harder to get pregnant?

It can also make it harder to get pregnant if you’re trying. In most cases, amenorrhea and its underlying causes are treatable. Ask your doctor for more information about your condition, treatment options, and long-term outlook. Last medically reviewed on September 5, 2019.

What causes amenorrhea in women?

2. Nutritional deficiencies. Malnutrition may affect how the hypothalamus and pituitary gland function, which can lead to amenorrhea. 3.

How to manage amenorrhea?

Stress: Finding ways to manage stress, such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or seeing a therapist, may be beneficial. Excessive exercise: The doctor may recommend a moderate exercise regime. If a person has amenorrhea due to rapid weight gain, the doctor is likely to recommend a calorie-controlled diet and exercise.

What does it mean when you have no menstrual cycle?

When a person has regular menstrual bleeding, this means that the ovaries, uterus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland are working well. The absence of menstruation can indicate a problem with one of these parts of the body, or there may be an abnormality of the genital tract.

What is the absence of menstrual bleeding?

Amenorrhea is an absence of menstrual bleeding. A period, or menstrual bleeding, is the womb lining exiting the body. Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding. During the menstrual cycle, hormones cause an ovary to produce and release an egg. The ovary also releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

What causes periods to stop?

If they are not producing the right levels of hormones, a person’s periods may stop. 9. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 6–8 percent. Trusted Source. of women worldwide. PCOS causes a range of symptoms including: irregular periods. excessive hair growth.

What is it called when you have not started your period?

Outlook. Amenorrhea means an absence of menstruation. The term also applies to people who have not started their period by the age of 16, which is called primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea occurs in people who have missed 3 months of periods.

Can amenorrhea occur after 3 months?

Secondary amenorrhea occurs in people who have missed 3 months of periods. This article explores possible reasons for an absence of menstruation. It also covers when to see a doctor and the treatment options.

What are the causes of Amenorrhea?

Causes of primary amenorrhea: defects in the ovaries; Problems with the reproductive organs; issues with the pituitary glands or central nervous system. The main cause can be hormonal abnormalities and anatomical problems.

What are the factors that contribute to amenorrhea?

Low body weight, excessive stress, extensive and exhaustive, and tiring activities including – athletic training, weight-lifting and muscle strengthening and endurance building workouts, and other activities are some of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to amenorrhea.

What causes secondary amenorrhea?

Common causes of secondary amenorrhea are pregnancy and breastfeeding; stopping the use of birth control (post-pill amenorrhoea) and menopause. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause are the natural causes of secondary amenorrhea.

What age do you have primary amenorrhea?

Primary Amenorrhea: This type is when a girl has not had her first period by the age of 15 or 16 years.

What does it mean when your gynecologist says you have amenorrhea?

Definition: When your gynecologist says that you have amenorrhea, it means you are not getting your periods or you have missed one or more periods. In other words, it is the absence of menstruation.

Can amenorrhea cause infertility?

Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. If you have amenorrhea – meet me for a complete and thorough evaluation of your condition. Don’t de lay in seeking treatment as amenorrhea can cause other issues such as infertility, pregnancy-related complications, pelvic pain, psychological stress, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Can amenorrhea be caused by an eating disorder?

If you have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, your risk of developing amenorrhea increases; extensive athletic training and muscle strengthening exercises – rigorous workouts can also increase your risk. Similarly, with a strong family history, a woman can be strongly predisposed for amenorrhea. Certain gynecological procedures can also increase the risk of amenorrhea.

What causes amenorrhea in women?

Women with the following factors are more at risk: A family history of amenorrhea or early menopause. A genetic or chromosomal defect.

How to treat amenorrhea?

You may need to make lifestyle changes, such as diet, activity, and stress. Certain hormonal medicines and birth control pills can help trigger a period. Others can help trigger ovulation, such as for PCOS. Hormone therapy may be used to balance out your hormones.

How is amenorrhea diagnosed?

Contact your family doctor or a gynecologist if you think you have amenorrhea. If you’ve never menstruated, the doctor will review your health history and do an exam. A regular physical and pelvic check can show signs of puberty.

What is the term for a woman who doesn't have a period?

Amenorrhea is the medical term for when a woman doesn’t have menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea . Primary amenorrhea is when you are late to start your period for the first time. The normal age range is 14 to 16 years old. Secondary amenorrhea is when you miss a period for 3 months in a row or more.

What is the absence of your period?

The main symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of your monthly period. It often signifies a larger health problem or condition. Related symptoms can include:

What to do if amenorrhea is negative?

For secondary amenorrhea, the doctor will begin with a pregnancy test. If this is negative, he or she will do an exam and review your health history.

Can amenorrhea be prevented or avoided?

It is hard to prevent amenorrhea. Try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan. If you are underweight or overweight, talk to your doctor about how to find a balance. Once you begin to menstruate, keep track of your periods each month. This can help identify amenorrhea early on and aid in your diagnosis and treatment. It also is good practice if you try to become pregnant in the future.

How to treat amenorrhea?

For example, loss of periods as a result of premature ovarian failure or PCOS can be treated with medication, while lifestyle changes may help combat loss of periods caused by being overweight, underweight or energy deficiency.

What are the dangers of amenorrhea?

However, amenorrhea comes with a host of other health problems that could catch up with you down the line.

What is it called when you don't have a period?

Quite simply, amenorrhea is the rather nasty sounding term used when women don’t have periods. There are two types: primary amenorrhea – i.e. you’ve never had a period in your life, and secondary amenorrhea – when you’ve had periods in the past but for some reason they’ve stopped.

How long does it take to get amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea symptoms. Generally, you're considered to have amenorrhea if you haven't had a period for: 3 cycles if you were regular before. 6 months or more, if your periods were irregular before. ‘If you’ve had periods in the past but they have stopped, and it’s not because of the menopause or because you're pregnant, ...

Why does my period stop?

Your periods will stop because you won’t have any more eggs to release and you’ll likely show other menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and mood swings .

Why does the body stop a period?

‘When faced with fight or flight danger, the body will release chemicals – such as cortisol – that will stop your menstrual cycle because the last thing it wants you to do at a time of strife is to reproduce ,’ Irani says. Makes sense, right?

Can a period go AWOL?

Sure, your regular monthly bleed can be a bit of a nuisance when it strikes, but periods that go AWOL for months at a time can cause some serious health anxiety .

What age does amenorrhea occur?

Primary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menses at age 15 years in the presence of normal growth and secondary sexual characteristics. The identification of primary amenorrhea should always prompt a thorough evaluation to identify a cause [ 1 ]. At age 13 years, if no menses have occurred and there is a complete absence of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, evaluation for primary amenorrhea should begin. In addition, some girls with secondary sexual characteristics may present before age 15 years with amenorrhea and cyclic pelvic pain. These girls should be evaluated for possible outflow tract obstruction.

Is primary amenorrhea a genetic disorder?

Primary amenorrhea is usually the result of a genetic or anatomical abnormality. However, all causes of secondary amenorrhea can also present as primary amenorrhea. In a large case series of primary amenorrhea, the most common etiologies were [ 2 ]: