Should I be worried if I have amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea can result from a change in function or a problem with some part of the female reproductive system. There are times when you're not supposed to get your period, such as before puberty, during pregnancy and after menopause. If amenorrhea lasts for more than three months, it should be investigated.
What are the two types of amenorrhea?
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 happens if a girl has amenorrhea?
In most women with amenorrhea, the ovaries do not release an egg. Such women cannot become pregnant. ), and an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disorders. Such problems occur because in women who have amenorrhea, the estrogen level is low.
What is the most common cause of amenorrhea?
Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstrual periods. The most common cause is hormone disruption, which can be due to emotional stress, extreme weight loss, excessive exercise or certain reproductive disorders.
How do doctors treat amenorrhea?
In some cases, birth control pills or other hormone therapies can restart your menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea caused by thyroid or pituitary disorders may be treated with medications. If a tumor or structural blockage is causing the problem, surgery may be necessary.
Can a woman with amenorrhea get pregnant?
Primary amenorrhea means you never start your periods. Secondary amenorrhea means you have had periods, and then they stop, especially for more than 3 months. Even if you don't have periods, you could still get pregnant.
What are 3 causes of amenorrhea?
Hormonal imbalancePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes relatively high and sustained levels of hormones, rather than the fluctuating levels seen in the normal menstrual cycle.Thyroid malfunction. ... Pituitary tumor. ... Premature menopause.
Does amenorrhea go away?
Primary amenorrhea caused by late puberty usually does not need to be treated. The condition will go away on its own. For primary amenorrhea caused by genetic abnormalities, treatment depends on the problem. For example, if the ovaries are not functioning properly, you may be given supplemental ovarian hormones.
What are the signs of amenorrhea?
Missing a period is the main sign of amenorrhea. Other symptoms can include excess facial hair, hair loss, headache, lack of breast development, and vision changes.
What happens if amenorrhea goes untreated?
Left untreated, amenorrhea can lead to the following possible complications: Cardiovascular disease. A lack of estrogen can also cause cardiovascular problems, making someone at increased risk of heart attack or problems with the heart muscle and blood vessels. Infertility.
Does amenorrhea cause weight gain?
The definition of amenorrhea includes “absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.” Characteristics associated with amenorrhea include: weight loss 15% below the expected weight, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat and distorted body image (i.e., claiming to feel fat even when emaciated).
What are primary and secondary amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea: Primary amenorrhea—This is when a girl does not get her first period by age 15. Secondary amenorrhea—This is when a woman who already menstruates does not get her period for 3 months or more.
What is the classification of amenorrhea?
Primarily amenorrhea is classified into 2 types determined by pathogenesis. [4]Primary amenorrhea is the absence of initiation of menses, and secondary amenorrhea is an absence of menses in a previously normal menstruating female.
What causes both primary and secondary amenorrhea?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) usually presents as secondary amenorrhea, but in some cases may present as primary amenorrhea. See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for more information.
What are 3 causes of amenorrhea?
Medications and therapies.Certain birth control pills, injectable contraceptives, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause amenorrhea. ... Some medications, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can increase the levels of a hormone that prevents ovulation and the menstrual cycle.More items...•