Amenorrhea
The majority of women get their periods every month. Though they can be annoying, this is a sign that your body is functioning properly and that your reproductive system is on the right track. However, many women experience unexplained interruptions in their menstrual cycle. If you haven't had your period in a while, you may have amenorrhea, a disorder of the menstrual cycle. Amenorrhea can signal underlying health problems and may be a clue to your fertility problems.
What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea refers to the absence of your menstrual periods. It is fairly common in North America, affecting between 2% and 5% of the female population. Typically, women have one menstrual period every cycle. This usually occurs every 28 days or so. Your period is caused by an interplay of various hormones in your body. During pregnancy or after menopause, you will lose your period, and this is a natural form of amenorrhea. However, some women will lose their periods as a result of various other factors.
Types of Amenorrhea
There are two main types of amenorrhea:
Primary Amenorrhea:
A girl who has not gotten her period by the age of 16 is referred to as having primary amenorrhea. Most girls have typically undergone puberty by this time, and their hormones have begin to produce a monthly period. Girls with primary amenorrhea do not have enough hormones in their body to trigger menstruation. Primary amenorrhea is common among thin or athletic girls who do not have enough body fat to trigger estrogen and other sex hormones.
Secondary Amenorrhea:
Secondary amenorrhea occurs after you have had a normal period for some time, but then begin to go without a period for more than three months. It is typically the result of a drop in hormone levels or an underlying reproductive complication.
Causes of Amenorrhea
If you are experiencing amenorrhea, it is probably because certain factors are causing an imbalance in your hormone levels. Without the appropriate levels of sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, ovulation will not be triggered and menstruation will not occur. A number of factors can contribute to these hormonal imbalances:
- disorders of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or ovaries
- extreme weight loss or weight gain
- poor nutrition
- eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia
- overexercise
- stress
Symptoms of Amenorrhea
The most telltale sign of amenorrhea is the absence of your menstrual period. However, many women with amenorrhea also exhibit other symptoms. These can include:
- increased facial hair
- deepening of the voice
- decreased breast size
- breast secretions
- lowered sex drive
Amenorrhea and Infertility
Amenorrhea can have a very negative impact on your fertility. Many women with amenorrhea are anovulatory, meaning that they aren't producing viable eggs for conception. This can mean that no matter how hard you try, you just won't get pregnant. Occasionally, amenorrhea can indicate underlying problems with your reproductive system, including:
These conditions can make fertility difficult, so it is important to seek treatment from your health care professional, especially if you are trying to conceive.
Amenorrhea Treatment
Treatment of amenorrhea depends upon the underlying cause of you absent periods. Treatment may be as simple as a dietary change or it could include surgery or medications for a reproductive condition. Common treatments for amenorrhea include:
- hormonal supplements (such as the birth control pill, hormone replacement therapy, and clomiphene)
- reduction in exercise
- dietary changes, including an increase in fat or caloric intake
- eating disorder counseling
- stress reduction (including meditation or massage)
Getting Pregnant
