Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is characterized by a complete lack of menstrual cycles. This may appear as primary amenorrhea, which is the lack of menstruation before age 16. Secondary amenorrhea occurs in women who have had normal menstrual cycles that have stopped for six months or more. A very long list of reasons exists for amenorrhea, and a doctor will run multiple tests to diagnose the cause. Amenorrhea can be treated with drugs and/or surgery. Sometimes amenorrhea can be remedied if you make changes to your lifestyle habits like taking care of your mental health and/or getting to a healthier weight. If you experience the symptoms of amenorrhea, contact a doctor for further advice.
Recently Answered
- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my amenorrhea?
-
Menstrual irregularities can be normal for the first few years of menstruation following puberty, but amenorrhea can signify a more serious condition or disorder. Sometimes stress or illness can cause amenorrhea and your menstrual cycle can return to... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How common is amenorrhea?
-
Secondary amenorrhea usually occurs in less than one percent of women who have reached a reproductive age, and primary amenorrhea is even less common. However, there are several common conditions that can cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What should I know about caring for someone with primary amenorrhea?
-
Caring for someone with primary amenorrhea requires supporting them emotionally and working with a doctor to monitor their symptoms. One of the hardest parts of dealing with primary amenorrhea is the emotional toll it may take on the young women affected... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the rate of incidence for secondary amenorrhea?
-
In the U.S. the incident rate of secondary amenorrhea, caused by something other than pregnancy, is approximately four percent. Secondary amenorrhea, when your menstrual period stops for a period of six months or more, is more common than primary... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How should I prepare for an appointment to diagnose amenorrhea?
-
You should see a doctor if you have reached the age of 16 without starting menstruation or if you have already started, but have missed three periods in a row. It is important that you are prepared for an appointment with your doctor to diagnose the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do I manage secondary amenorrhea on a daily basis?
-
Secondary amenorrhea may require daily management if the cause of secondary amenorrhea is related to weight or requires medications. If being over- or underweight causes your secondary amenorrhea than a change to your diet and lifestyle will be required.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do I manage primary amenorrhea on a daily basis?
-
Primary amenorrhea may require daily management if the cause is related to lifestyle factors or requires daily medications. If your primary amenorrhea is caused by a weight issue or malnutrition, then a change to your lifestyle will be required. Diet and... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Does amenorrhea run in families?
-
Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, it can be known to occur in members of the same family. For example, if primary amenorrhea was caused by a genetic disorder such as Turner's syndrome (where cells only have one X chromosome rather than the normal two... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do other illnesses affect primary amenorrhea?
-
Other illnesses affect primary amenorrhea by creating hormone imbalances and nutrient absorption problems that often cause the condition. Hormone imbalances can be created by illnesses that affect the glands in a girl's body that produce necessary... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Does secondary amenorrhea affect children differently than adults?
-
Secondary amenorrhea affects adults more often than children. To be affected by secondary amenorrhea, you must have had a menstrual period and have had it stop for a period of more than three months. Girls who have begun menstruating can have secondary... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
