Menstruation absence is the medical term for the absence of menstrual periods. It is more common in women and people assigned female at birth. Depending on the type and duration of amenorrhea, it can have different causes and consequences. We will explore what amenorrhea is, how it is diagnosed, and how to prevent it in this blog post.
There are two main types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary.
An individual with primary amenorrhea does not have their first menstrual period by age 15 or 16 (or sometimes 14). This condition is usually caused by late puberty or genetic factors that affect reproductive function. There are several genetic conditions that can cause primary amenorrhea, including Turner syndrome (a female-only disorder), Klinefelter syndrome (a male-only disorder), and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a hormonal disorder).
It is also known as oligomenorrhea or infrequent bleeding if a person has had menstrual periods in the past, but stops having them for three or more consecutive months. Secondary amenorrhea is caused by a number of factors that interfere with ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) or disrupt the normal functioning of the hormonal system. Some of those factors include:
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Stress
Chronic illness
Medications
Hormonal contraceptives
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disorders
Pituitary disorders
Tumors
In addition to the absence of periods, some people may experience other symptoms depending on their cause and severity of amenorrhea. These symptoms may include:
Hot flashes
Nipple discharge
Vaginal dryness
Headaches
Vision changes
Acne
Excess hair growth on the face and body
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history, menstrual cycle pattern, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors in order to diagnose amenorrhea. Additionally, they will perform a physical examination to check your reproductive organs and look for signs of infection or inflammation. Some tests may also be ordered based on your age and reproductive status to confirm or rule out certain causes of amenorrhea.
Some common tests that may be used to diagnose amenorrhea are:
Blood tests: These tests measure your hormone levels to check if you have enough estrogen and progesterone in your body.
Urine tests: These tests check for signs of infection or pregnancy.
Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs and structures.
Hysteroscopy: This test involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into your uterus through your vagina to look for any abnormalities in your uterine lining.
Laparoscopy: This test involves making small incisions in your abdomen to insert a camera into your pelvic cavity to look for any abnormalities in your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
The treatment of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and your personal goals. Some possible treatment options are:
The goal of hormonal therapy is to restore normal menstrual cycles and prevent complications like osteoporosis (bone loss) and cardiovascular disease (heart problems) by taking medications containing synthetic hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. There are several forms of hormonal therapy, including pills, patches, injections, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and vaginal rings.
Non-hormonal therapy involves using other methods to regulate your menstrual cycles without taking hormones such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), injections, implants, IUDs, patches, rings, diaphragms (cervical caps), cervical caps with spermicide (prophylaxis), condoms with spermicide (prophylaxis), intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), tubal ligation (tubal surgery), hysterectomy (removal of uterus), oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), vaginectomy (removal of vagina).
Lifestyle changes involve making modifications to your diet, exercise, weight, stress management, and smoking habits to improve your overall health and well-being.
Amenorrhea can be prevented by addressing its underlying causes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some preventive measures include:
Your healthcare provider can also recommend some tests or treatments to address the underlying cause of your amenorrhea and prevent complications.
Lifestyle changes involve making modifications to your diet, exercise, weight, stress management, and smoking habits to improve your overall health and well-being. Some lifestyle changes that may help with amenorrhea are:
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Avoiding foods that may trigger inflammation or hormonal imbalance, such as processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine, and trans fats.
Exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Exercise can help regulate your hormones, reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and maintain a healthy weight.
Managing stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. Stress can affect your hormone levels and disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your reproductive organs. It can also increase your risk of developing certain cancers that may affect your fertility.
Many people of different genders and ages suffer from amenorrhea. A healthcare provider can diagnose amenorrhea based on your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. It can have various causes and consequences based on its severity and duration. Some tests will be performed to confirm or rule out certain causes of amenorrhea.
If you suffer from amenorrhea, the treatment depends on your personal goals and the underlying cause. Hormonal therapy or non-hormonal therapy may be used to restore normal menstrual cycles; lifestyle changes may be used to improve your overall health and well-being; or surgery may be used to remove any abnormal growths or structures in your reproductive system.
By addressing its underlying causes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, amenorrhea can be prevented. Some preventive measures include getting regular check-ups with your healthcare provider; eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; managing stress; quitting smoking; avoiding alcohol; limiting caffeine intake; using effective contraception methods; getting vaccinated against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); getting tested for STIs regularly; seeking medical attention if you have any symptoms of STIs; avoiding exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants; avoiding exposure to radiation or chemicals that may affect your hormones.
In addition to not being a disease by itself, amenorrhea can signify another condition that needs medical attention. Don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your menstrual cycle or reproductive health. They can guide you through the process and find the best treatment option for you.
