The concept of amenorrhea has a very important place in women's health. Amenorrhea refers to the cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle for longer than normal. That is, the absence of menstruation. Absence of menstruation for at least three consecutive periods is also defined as amenorrhoea in girls who did not start menstruating until the age of 16. This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, and many other factors. In this article, you will learn more about what is amenorrhea, its causes, symptoms and treatment options. If you're ready, read on for an in-depth review!
What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is a condition in which women's menstrual periods disappear or do not start at all. This creates a significant change in women's lives. Women even worry about whether it indicates another health problem. Amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons. Before moving on to the causes of amenorrhea, let's look at the types of amenorrhea.
What is amenorrhea?
Types of Amenorrhea
The most common types of amenorrhea are:
Primary Amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea refers to the situation in which menstruation has not started despite reaching puberty. The causes of this condition include genetic factors, hormonal disorders or organ anomalies. Young girls experiencing this condition can learn appropriate treatment methods by consulting a specialist.
Secondary Amenorrhea
Secondary amenorrhea refers to the cessation of menstruation for a certain period of time in a woman who previously had regular menstruation. This condition may occur due to pregnancy, sudden weight loss, excessive physical activity, stress, or a hormonal imbalance. If secondary amenorrhea occurs, it is important to determine the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment methods.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea occurs as a result of disruption of the normal functions of the hypothalamus in the brain. This condition is usually caused by excessive stress, poor nutrition, excessive physical activity, or abnormal changes in body weight. Hypothalamic amenorrhea is usually treatable and resolves by correcting the underlying problems.
What Causes Amenorrhea?
Possible causes of amenorrhea include:
Hormonal imbalances
Amenorrhea may occur as a result of disruption of hormonal balance in the body. Estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones are important components produced by the endocrine system that help regulate the menstrual cycle. Hormonal imbalances can lead to amenorrhea. Polycystic ovary syndromeHormonal problems such as hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or hyperprolactinemia are common conditions that can cause amenorrhea.
General health and malnutrition
Amenorrhea can also be associated with overall health and diet. Excessive decrease or excessive increase in body mass index are among the factors that can lead to amenorrhea. Excessive exercise, stress, extreme weight loss or weight gain can trigger amenorrhea. Additionally, irregular or malnutrition, zinc, iron or vitamin B deficiencies can also cause amenorrhea.
gynecological problems
Amenorrhea can also occur as a result of gynecological problems. Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, ovarian cysts or tumors can cause amenorrhea. Additionally, intrauterine adhesions or endometriosis Conditions such as these are also among the causes of amenorrhea.
drug use
The use of some medications can cause side effects that can lead to amenorrhea. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or corticosteroids, can affect the hormonal pattern and cause amenorrhea to occur.
It is normal for most women to have amenorrhea for several periods in their lives. However, long-term symptoms of amenorrhea may be a sign of a serious health problem. Symptoms of amenorrhea manifest themselves as follows;
Irregularity in the menstrual cycle: The frequency or duration of menstruations may vary.
Change in body weight: Rapid weight loss or weight gain can lead to amenorrhea.
Hair loss: Hair loss or thinning may be a sign of amenorrhea.
Acne: Pimples and other skin changes may be associated with amenorrhea.
Increase in body hair: Having excessive hair growth on the body is one of the symptoms of amenorrhea.
Diagnosis of Amenorrhea
To diagnose amenorrhea, doctors usually begin by observing the woman's medical history, symptoms, and menstrual cycle. He or she can also perform a detailed evaluation of hormone levels using ultrasound and other imaging tests. This diagnostic process is important to determine the cause of amenorrhea and choose the appropriate treatment method.
To diagnose amenorrhea, all other possible causes, such as certain reproductive disorders, must first be eliminated.
Tests may include:
Pregnancy tests, which can be a urine or blood test
Physical examination to determine general health and the presence of other sexual characteristics
Medical history, including gynecological history and birth control methods used
Hormone tests to check the functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and ovaries
Other scans may include CT scans and ultrasounds of the reproductive system.
Amenorrhea Treatment
Treatment of amenorrhea varies depending on the underlying causes. If it is associated with hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may be used. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid problems can be addressed by treating the underlying disease. If excessive exercise or stress causes amenorrhea, lifestyle changes and stress management techniques may be used. Abnormalities in the anatomy of the uterus may require surgical intervention.
Amenorrhea is the condition in which a woman does not menstruate regularly in her menstrual cycle and can occur due to various reasons. Correctly diagnosing the symptoms of amenorrhea is important to determine the underlying cause and apply the appropriate treatment method. Therefore, women suffering from amenorrhea symptoms should seek proper diagnosis and treatment by contacting a healthcare professional. Remember, accurate and early diagnosis is important for a healthy life.
