Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Amenorrhea
- Amenorrhoea (BE), amenorrhea (AmE), or amenorrhœa, is the lack of a
menstrual period in women of reproductive age. Physiologic states of
amenorrhoea are experienced during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding),
the latter also being the basis of a form of contraception known as the
lactational amenorrhea method. Outside of the reproductive years there
is lack of menses during childhood and after menopause.
Amenorrhoea is a symptom with a multitude of potential causes. Primary
amenorrhoea (menstruation cycles never starting) can be caused by
developmental problems such as the congenital absence of the uterus,
or failure of the ovary to receive or maintain egg cells. Also, delay in pubertal
development will lead to primary amenorrhoea. Secondary amenorrhoea
(menstruation cycles ceasing) is many times caused by hormonal disturbances
from the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland or from premature menopause,
or intrauterine scar formation.
Types of Amenorrhea
There are two classifications for Amenorrhea – primary and secondary
amenorrhea.
Primary Amenorrhea - Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has not yet
had her first menstrual period by the age of 16. This delayed period is usually
due to late puberty, most common in teenage girls who are either very thin or
very athletic. When young women are underweight, their bodies have yet to
experience the normal puberty-related rise in body fat that sparks off the
beginning of menstruation. On the other hand, the delay of menstruation
may also be as a result of abnormal female reproductive organs or a genetic
disorder involving the sex chromosomes such as Turner’s syndrome.
Secondary Amenorrhea - Secondary amenorrhea is a condition in which a
woman who previously had normal, regular menstrual cycles experiences
irregular or absent periods.
Amenorrhea affects 2% to 5% of all women of childbearing age in the
United States. Secondary amenorrhea can affect all women who have
begun menstruating. Young women who are involved in sports where intense
exercise is required like ballet, long distance running or gymnastics are more
likely to be affected with amenorrhea.
Amenorrhea is a symptom in itself. Depending on the cause of amenorrhea,
you may experience the absence of periods together with various symptoms of
hormone imbalance such as breast milk secretions, headache, weight gain,
acne, altered sex drive low libido, lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth
on the face and body, and vision changes.
Diagnosing Amenorrhea
The diagnosis of amenorrhea is based on your medical history, physical
examination as well as a pelvic examination. Your health practitioner has
to rule out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, as well as
medications in order to determine a proper diagnosis of amenorrhea.
Whether you are pregnant or not has to also be determined - a woman has
to have missed at least three consecutive menstrual cycles without being
pregnant to be classified as having amenorrhea.
A young woman, 16 years of age or older who has not yet had her first
menstrual period should be evaluated immediately so that an early diagnosis
can be made and treatment started. In addition, other tests may be performed
to determine the underlying cause of the absence of periods.
Ovulation Abnormality
Certain ovulation or chromosomal abnormalities can cause the eggs involved
in ovulation and menstruation to be prematurely depleted
Genital Abnormalities
The absence of a uterus or vagina, vaginal septum or imperforate hymen
present since birth can also result in the absence of menstrual periods
Hypothalamic Problems
The hypothalamus is a gland at the base of the brain that acts as the control
center for the body and regulates your menstrual cycle. A disorder of the
hypothalamus causing an absence of menstruation is known as functional
hypothalamic amenorrhea. Strenuous exercise, excessive weight loss as a
result of anorexia nervosa, bulimia or stress may also contribute to interference
in the normal functioning of the hypothalamus.
Pituitary Disease
The pituitary gland is also responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle.
A tumor or invasive growth may hinder the pituitary gland’s ability to perform
this function.
Obesity
Females who are obese often experience amenorrhea as a result of excess
fat cells interfering with the process of ovulation.
Thyroid Disease
An underactive thyroid causing hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid causing
hyperthyroidism may also be responsible for absent menstrual cycles.
Secondary Amenorrhea
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhea in women of reproductive
age. Women do not ovulate when they are pregnant, thus menstruation stops.
Birth Control
Often contraceptives such as birth control pills or hormonal injections can
interfere with the menstrual cycle. If oral contraceptives are discontinued,
regular ovulation and menstruation may take between 3-6 months to resume.
Excessive Exercise
Athletes or women who participate in strenuous training such as gymnastics,
ballet or long distance running can experience absent menstrual cycles.
There are many factors such as stress, low body fat and increased energy
expenditure that contribute to athletes not having their periods
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury; brain, ovary, or adrenal
gland tumors; ovarian cysts; overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary gland;
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, chronic illness; and Asherman's syndrome
(scarring of the uterine lining caused by infection or surgery) can also cause
secondary amenorrhea
Premature Menopause
Menopause that occurs before age 40 is considered premature menopause.
It is also associated with secondary amenorrhea and may result from genetic
factors or an autoimmune disease.
Hormonal Imbalance
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with hormonal
imbalances and may also result in a loss of periods, obesity, acne and at times
excess facial hair.
Other causes of secondary amenorrhea may be related to breastfeeding,
physical and emotional stress, depression, certain medications, malnutrition,
or sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Help for Amenorrhea
There are various treatment options depending on the cause to relieve the
symptoms of amenorrhea and bring about a healthy, regular menstrual cycle.
Depending on your overall health, medical history, age, and the extent of your
condition, medications, procedures or therapies may used to treat amenorrhea.
Common medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth
control pills and hormone replacement therapy can help to encourage normal,
regular menstrual cycles - although these medications have the potential risk
of side effects. In addition, dietary modifications that include increased caloric
and fat intake may also be beneficial.
Natural Remedies May Be Helpful
Although conventional medicine may help to alleviate the symptoms of
amenorrhea, they do not necessarily address the root of the problem.
Natural and holistic treatments (from a reputable source) can help to
address the underlying physiological and nutritional imbalances of the
condition without the risk of harmful side effects and promote harmony
in a gentle yet effective manner.
Use herbs such as Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry) as an effective treatment
to promote hormonal balance and health. Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)
contains phyto-estrogenic properties which are also effective in correcting
menstrual irregularities. In addition, Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian
Ginseng) is a highly respected Chinese herb that helps to restore vital energy
and promote overall systemic functioning while also regulating the menstrual
cycle and improving hormonal balance.
Reducing the Risk of Developing Menstrual Disorders
If you are overweight or underweight, try to maintain a healthy weight and level
of body fat by making appropriate changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Often, being underweight or overweight can cause menstrual disorders.
Consult a doctor or dietician to help you make necessary adjustments to
ensure a balanced diet.
* Eat healthily and incorporate lots of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and
protein into your diet. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, refined sugar,
salt and caffeine.
* Exercise regularly by walking, swimming, cycling or doing yoga. However,
it may be necessary to reduce your exercise routine if it is excessive – some
women exercise compulsively because they may fear weight gain while others
who are athletes also struggle to cut back.
* If you feel that your eating is compulsive and out of control, you should also
be assessed for eating disorders. Eating disorders such anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa often contribute to amenorrhea.
* Increase your intake of vitamins by taking vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium
supplements to relieve cramping and PMS symptoms.
* Reduce stress, levels by relaxing and resting more. Practice relaxation
techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation,
biofeedback and yoga to quiet the mind and relax muscles. Detox and body
cleansing can also be beneficial to help balance body systems.
* Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking naturally, as both habits can
cause problems with your menstrual cycle.
Sources
Wikipedia
Native Remedies Health Library
Helpful Herbal Supplements
- Fertile XX - Supports hormone balance, healthy uterus, ovaries, fallopian
tubes and reproductive function - Continue
Dong Quai - Promotes a healthy reproductive system, premenstrual,
menstrual and menopausal health - Continue
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