Amenorrhea: No Menstruation Or Absence Of Periods In A Woman? Is That Even Possible?

"Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation- either one or more missed menstrual periods." Amenorrhea is classified as primary and secondary.

In primary amenorrhea, menstrual periods have never begin (by age 16), while in secondary amenorrhea, there is an absence of menstrual periods for three consecutive cycles or for a time period of more than six months in a person who was previously menstruating.

Factors That Might Be Responsible For Amenorrhoea

There are several factors that trigger amenorrhoea, such as:

• Emotional stress
• Certain medications used to treat mental health conditions
• Hormonal changes
• Weight loss
• Excessive physical exercise
• Being born with poorly formed genital or pelvic organs can lead to primary amenorrhea
• Disorders of the endocrine system such as hypothyroidism
• Disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperandrogenaemia, hyperprolactinaemia, ovarian failure or early menopause.

Factors That May Increase One's Risk Of Amenorrhea

• Having an eating disorder
• A family history of amenorrhea
• Athletic training

Pregnancy is the obvious reason for a woman to miss her period. However, pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding do not cause amenorrhea.

Symptoms Of Amenorrhea

• Headaches
• Acne
• Vaginal dryness
• Excessive, unwanted hair growth
• Breast discharge
• Deepening of the voice
• Changes in vision

Piece Of Advice From The Wellness Corner

Contact your doctor if you've missed at least three menstrual periods in a row or if your daughter has never had a menstrual period and is 16 years or older.