Amenorrhea Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment | Diseases List A-Z

Amenorrhea is a condition when a woman does not menstruate or have a period. This condition occurs if a woman does not menstruate for 3 consecutive cycles or more, or if she has never menstruated by the age of 15. Amenorrhea is divided into two, namely:

  • Primary amenorrhea, which is when a girl has experienced other changes during puberty, but has not yet menstruated and is 15 years old.
  • Secondary amenorrhea, which is the condition of not menstruating for more than three cycles or 6 months.

Symptoms of Amenorrhea

Some symptoms of this condition include:

  • No menstruation.
  • Hair loss.
  • Headache.
  • Pelvic pain
  • Acne appears.
  • Visual disturbances.
  • Fine hair grows on the face.
  • Discharge from the nipples.

Risk Factors for Amenorrhea

Some risk factors for this condition include:

  • Family history of amenorrhea.
  • Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
  • High-intensity exercise.
  • Obesity
  • Genetics, such as having a change in the FMR1 gene, which also causes Fragile X1 syndrome.

Causes of Amenorrhea

Some of the causes include:

  • Reproductive organs that are not fully developed, such as the absence of a uterus or vagina, narrowing and blockage of the cervix, and a vagina that is divided into 2 parts (vaginal septum).
  • Natural hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
  • Caused by the use of several types of drugs, one of which is contraceptive drugs.
  • Being 10 percent underweight can cause hormonal imbalances that stop ovulation, such as in people with bulimia and anorexia.
  • Stress triggers changes in the function of the hypothalamus in the brain, which is the area that controls the menstrual cycle.
  • Excessive exercise or physical activity can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
  • Disorders that cause hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, pituitary tumors, or premature menopause.

Diagnosis of Amenorrhea

The doctor will diagnose by conducting a medical interview, physical examination, and supporting examinations, such as:

  • Thyroid Function Test, to measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood to see if the thyroid is functioning properly. Thyroid problems can cause amenorrhea.
  • Ovarian Function Test, to measure the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood to determine how the ovaries are performing.
  • Androgen test, to check the level of androgen in the blood.
  • Prolactin Test. Low levels of the hormone prolactin may be a sign of a pituitary tumor.
  •  Ultrasonography (USG) to determine the cause of amenorrhea.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain if a pituitary or hypothalamic abnormality is suspected.
  • Computerized tomography (CT scan) of the abdomen and pelvis to look for abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries.

Complications of Amenorrhea

Some complications caused by amenorrhea include:

  • Infertility or sterility, because ovulation does not occur so that pregnancy cannot occur.
  • Osteoporosis, caused by low estrogen levels.

Amenorrhea Treatment

Treatment is given based on the cause, including:

  • Surgery, hormone therapy or both are performed if amenorrhea is caused by congenital birth defects that result in anatomical abnormalities.
  • Administration of drugs, such as medroxyprogesterone in women with adult-onset adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, and premature ovarian failure.
  • Weight loss through diet, exercise, and metformin can be done in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Consultation with a genetic specialist for women who experience a lack of menstruation due to hereditary factors.

Prevention of Amenorrhea

Some preventive measures that can be taken include:

  • Healthy lifestyle changes.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Avoid excessive exercise or activity.
  • Maintain a healthy diet by not holding back your appetite.
  • Avoid prolonged stress.
  • Record and pay close attention to your menstrual cycle.