When your gynecologist says you have amenorrhea. This means you don’t get your period or have missed one or more periods. In other words, it is the absence of menstruation.

There are two types of amenorrhea:

Primary amenorrhea: This type is when a girl has not had her first period up to the age of 15 or 16 years. It can be due to hormonal or anatomical structural problems.

Secondary amenorrhea: A woman is said to have this type of period when her normal periods stop for at least three months, even though she had regular periods in the past.

 What are the causes of amenorrhea?

Causes of primary amenorrhea: ovarian defects; Genital problems; pituitary or central nervous system problems.

Hormonal deviations and anatomical problems can be the main reason.

The most common causes of secondary amenorrhea are pregnancy and breastfeeding; discontinuation of contraception and menopause.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause are natural causes of secondary amenorrhea.

Women using birth control may also experience secondary menstruation. Women who use birth control pills may not have periods even after stopping the pill for some time before normal ovulation and periods resume.

Some medications can also cause amenorrhea – such as allergy medications, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, chemotherapy, and antipsychotic drugs.

Hormonal causes

Premature menopause: The most prominent cause of this is primary ovarian failure or premature ovarian failure. In this case, the ovaries can stop working before the age of 40 years. When this happens, the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases, and menstruation stops.

Pituitary Tumor

A benign or non-cancerous pituitary tumor can interfere with the normal functioning of the ovaries and the hormonal regulation of menstruation.

Thyroid dysfunction

It can be caused by either an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and can cause irregular periods as well as amenorrhea.

PCOD or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

High and persistent levels of sex hormones in PCOS can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, causing amenorrhea or irregular periods.

Structural problems of the reproductive organs Vaginal abnormalities: Any abnormal membranes or walls (blockage) in the vagina can block blood flow from the uterus and cervix.

Underdeveloped reproductive organs

Structural abnormalities of the uterus, cervix, or vagina can occur during fetal development, which can cause disorders of the reproductive system. Therefore, menstrual cycles are not possible at a later age.

Uterine scarring

This is a condition where scar tissue forms on the lining of the uterus. It can also occur after treatment of uterine fibroids, cesarean section, dilation, and curettage.

Scarring prevents endometrial accumulation and shedding.

Lifestyle Factors

Being underweight, excessive stress, extensive, exhausting, and tiring activities including – sports training, stopping and muscle strengthening and resistance exercises, and other activities are some of the lifestyle factors that can trigger menstruation.

What are the risk factors for amenorrhea?

Factors that may increase your risk of amenorrhea include: If you have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, your risk of amenorrhea increases; extensive sports training and muscle strengthening – rigorous exercise can also increase your risk. Similarly, a woman with a strong family history may be strongly predisposed to lack of menstrual bleeding.

Certain gynecological procedures can also increase the risk of amenorrhea.

Bottom line

Treatment for amenorrhea depends on its cause. If you have amenorrhea, please see me for a full and thorough evaluation of your condition. Do not delay in seeking treatment as lack of periods can lead to other problems such as infertility, pregnancy complications, pelvic pain, psychological stress, osteoporosis, and heart diseases.