What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea:
Some causes of amenorrhea are normal, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Amenorrhea also may be caused by medical conditions or medications.
Candida overgrowth can stem from a number of factors. But, if you’re under stress for a prolonged period of time like many of us during the holidays, the body may begin to produce increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that can weaken the immune system, and simultaneously cause elevated levels of blood sugar. And, since yeast feeds off of sugar, candida is able to grow faster than normal. While Mrs. Claus means well, stress gets the best of us and we get carried away baking one batch of cookies too many.
When periods do not start in girls, there may be medical reasons, including:
What Causes Secondary Amenorrhea?
When periods stop in women who were menstruating and who are not pregnant, the reasons may include:
Some medications, such as hormonal birth control, can stop periods while you are taking them. And smoking can increase your risk of amenorrhea.
Who Should Be Evaluated for Amenorrhea?
Teens should be evaluated for primary amenorrhea if they have not had their period by age 15. Teens also should be evaluated if there is no sign of breast development by age 13.
No matter your age, you should be evaluated for amenorrhea if your period stops for more than 3 months without explanation. You can talk with an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) about diagnosis and treatment.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Amenorrhea?
Talk with your ob-gyn about your symptoms. Amenorrhea may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If left untreated, it can also lead to other problems, such as low bone density and osteoporosis. Your ob-gyn can help find the cause of your amenorrhea and discuss treatment options.
How Is Amenorrhea Diagnosed?
Your ob-gyn should review your medical history and discuss whether you need a physical exam. This may include a breast exam and a pelvic exam. He or she may ask you the following questions:
You also may need certain tests to help find a diagnosis. This could include blood tests to check your hormone levels or an ultrasound exam. Depending on your age and sexual activity, you also may be asked to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
How Is Primary Amenorrhea Treated?
If a teen is going through puberty normally, but a little later than usual, then typically no treatment is needed. You, your parent or caregiver, and your ob-gyn should monitor your health. If there is another cause for the delay in puberty, then you may need to see a specialist for treatment.
If primary amenorrhea is caused by the ovaries not producing enough estrogen, you can discuss using hormone therapy to start puberty and your periods. Hormone therapy also can help prevent osteoporosis.
Some girls are born with a physical difference that prevents them from having vaginal bleeding, such as an imperforate hymen, vaginal septum, or absence of the uterus. Surgery may be needed in these cases.
How Is Secondary Amenorrhea Treated?
Treatment for secondary amenorrhea depends on the cause:
Most people with amenorrhea benefit from a healthy diet and exercise. Reducing stress also may help. And it is important to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis.
Aim for 600 international units of vitamin D and between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium every day. (Recommended daily calcium intake depends on your age.) Good sources of calcium include dark, leafy greens; dairy foods; and canned salmon and sardines. Good sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, fatty fish like salmon, and sun exposure (15 minutes a few days a week).
An ob-gyn discusses coping with grief, depression, and anxiety after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Dr. Nazanin E. Silver Whether it’s miscarriage or stillbirth, pregnancy loss can be traumatic. This is true no matter how far along you are
What is a screening test? A screening test is used to find conditions in people who do not have signs or symptoms. This allows early treatment. Why is breast screening important? In the United States,
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