Amenorrhea: introduction,types,sign&symptoms,causes,risk factors,pathogenesis,investigations and treatment

 

Amenorrhea:  Missed Periods

Amenorrhea means the absence of a menstrual period in women during their reproductive years (roughly between 11and 50 years old). While pregnancy and breastfeeding are natural causes of amenorrhea, missing periods for other reasons can indicatel underlying health problems. This article available for amenorrhea in detail, covering its types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

1-Types of Amenorrhea

There are two main types of amenorrhea: Primary Amenorrhea: When a young woman reaches 14 years of age and hasn't had her first menstrual period Secondary Amenorrhea: When a woman who previously had regular periods then experience an absence of menstruation for 3 to 4 consecutive cycles.

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2-Signs and Symptoms

The first symptom of amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period. However, depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Nausea
• Breast changes (development, enlargement&discharge)
• Unusual hair growth or hair loss
• Difficulty getting pregnant

3-Causes of Amenorrhea

Factors that can contribute to amenorrhea. Here are:

• Hormonal Imbalances: problems with the hormones involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, such as estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins, can disrupt  menstruation.
• Pregnancy: A zygote implanting in the uterus is the most common cause of amenorrhea.
• Birth Control Methods: Certain birth control pills, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can mask ovulation, leading to amenorrhea.
• Medical Conditions:  medical conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and chronic illnesses can cause hormone levels and amenorrhea.
• Lifestyle Factors: Extreme stress, weight fluctuations, and excessive exercise can disrupt the menstrual cycle..

4-Risk Factors

Factors can increase the risk of developing amenorrhea are:

• Family history of amenorrhea
• Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
• Medications (chemotherapy, antipsychotics)

5-Pathogenesis

The root cause of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. It can cause Overview at various points in the menstrual cycle:

• Hypothalamus Dysfunction: The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a critical role in regulating hormone production. Dysfunction here can   impact ovulation and menstruation.
• Pituitary Gland Issues: The pituitary gland, stimulated by the hypothalamus, delever hormones that control ovarian function. Problems with the pituitary gland can disrupt this hormonal falls.
• Ovarian Abnormalities: Issues with the ovaries, such as PCOS or premature ovarian failure, can avert ovulation and lead to amenorrhea.

6-Investigations

Diagnosing amenorrhea often require a combination of steps:

• Medical history and physical examination: Discussing your medical history, menstrual history, and a physical exam can provide  initial  clues.
• Pregnancy test: Ruling out pregnancy is essential.
• Hormone tests: Blood tests can measure hormone levels to identify imbalances.
• Imaging tests: In some cases, ultrasounds or X-rays may be used to examine the reproductive organs for structural abnormalities.

7-Treatment

Treatment for amenorrhea depends on the cause. Here are some ways:

Hormonal Therapy: Regulating hormonal imbalance with medications such as control pills or progesterone supplements can help correct your menstrual cycle.
Describe the following pain: If there is pain causing menstruation, medical treatment will solve the problem.
Lifestyle changes: Managing stress, controlling body weight and eating healthy can support regular menstruation.