Have you missed a period and definitely not pregnant? Or never had a menstrual period? Now in a quandary as to what to do, if anything? No worries unless 3 consecutive months have gone by with no period or over 16 years old and still no first period.
These aforementioned type quandaries have the potential to be amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is the term used to describe the occurrence for no menstrual periods, missed period or lack of menstruation.
If you’ve never had a period and you are of a ripe age (over 16), then this is referred to as primary amenorrhea. If you’ve been having regular periods and suddenly stop for 3 or more months in a row, this is known as secondary amenorrhea.
Primary amenorrhea causes for no menstrual period ever take in:
- eating disorders
- reproductive organs issues
- moderate, excessive exercise
- chromosomal, genetic abnormalities
- extreme physical, psychological stress
- female reproductive system birth defects
- hypothalamus, pituitary disease or physical problems
- hymen obstruction ~ membrane blocks menstrual flow
- delay may be normal if puberty characteristics are present by age 13
Best course of action if primary amenorrhea describes your circumstance is to pay a visit to your health care provider for further evaluation.
There are many reasons for missing a period, and then return to your normal cycle the following month. However, numerous factors can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle for several months causing the development of secondary amenorrhea, such as:
- obesity
- IUD use
- pregnancy
- brain tumor
- menopause
- ovarian cysts
- breastfeeding
- stress, anxiety
- pituitary tumor
- eating disorders
- thyroid conditions
- hormonal imbalance
- significant weight gain
- gastric bypass surgery
- drastic weight reduction
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- high blood levels of prolactin
- stop taking birth control pills
- taking hormonal supplements
- extremely low body weight ~ 17% body fat or less
- premature ovarian failure before natural menopause
- oral, injected contraceptives ~ birth control pills, Depo-Provera
- extreme, prolonged, strenuous exercise ~ long distance running
- medication ~ antidepressants, chemotherapy medicine, anti psychotics
- low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone ~ controlsovulation and menstrual cycle
- hormone regulating gland problem ~ hypothalamus, pituitary,thyroid, ovary, adrenal glands
Some prescription drugs may also cause missed periods, the likes of:
- birth control pills
- Busulfan ~ leukemia
- Depo-Provera ~ birth control
- Chlorambucil ~ leukemia, lymphoma
- Phenothiazines ~ mental, emotional disorders
- Cyclophosphamide ~ leukemia, lymphoma, cancer
Athletic amenorrhea is a type of amenorrhea induced by excessive exercise of athletes. Likely causes for athletic amenorrhea include:
- stress
- low body weight
- rapid weight loss
- disordered eating
- low percent body fat
- sudden onset of vigorous exercise
- failure to gain weight during growth
- not getting enough calories, vitamins, minerals
- train vigorously ~ most days for several hours a day
This cause for primary and secondary amenorrhea doesn’t usually include those involved in gym class or team sports. Typical sports involving excessive exercise for athletic amenorrhea are usually:
- ballet
- gymnastics
- distance running
Remember, it takes 3 consecutive missed periods before you are considered to have amenorrhea. Other symptoms associated with secondary amenorrhea you might be experiencing:
- hirsutism
- headache
- galactorrhea
- voice change
- vaginal dryness
- change in breast size
- significant weight gain, weight loss
Treatment for amenorrhea depends on its cause. It may be as simple as making some healthy lifestyle adjustments like:
- stress management
- improving your diet
- reduction in exercise
- increase, decrease weight
You may be prescribed oral contraceptives as a treatment for secondary amenorrhea.
If you think that you have amenorrhea get with your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Oh, and be ready to provide the date of your last period.
