What is amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is when you experience missed periods, or the period stops completely.
What causes amenorrhea?
There are many reasons why a person may miss her period, or why periods might stop altogether. These can include:
- Pregnancy.
- Malnutrition.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Menopause.
- Certain medications.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Contraceptive pill or IUS.
- Intense exercise.
- Stress.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Being overweight.
The pictures below show possible causes of primary and secondary amenorrhoea.
Primary Amenorrhoea:
Secondary Amenorrhoea:
It is important to discuss any of these symptoms with your medical practitioner.
The doctor may also ask you about:
- Your medical history.
- Your family’s medical history.
- Your sexual history.
- Any emotional issues you’re experiencing.
- Any recent changes in your weight.
- The amount of exercise you do.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on the cause. Your medical practitioner may refer you to a consultant such as a gynaecologist or an endocrinologist. A gynaecologist is a specialist in treating conditions that affect the female reproductive system and an endocrinologist is a specialist in treating hormonal conditions. Investigations such as blood tests, ultrasounds, CT-scans, or MRI may be needed.