Definition

Menstruation, or a period, is part of a monthly cycle in women. If a women does not have or misses a period it is called amenorrhea. Types of amenorrhea include:

• Primary—First period has not occurred by a certain age (most females have their first period between 9-18 years of age, average age is 12 years)
• Secondary—periods were regular in the past but then 3 or more periods were missed in a row

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Causes    TOP

Amenorrhea is most often caused by a problem with hormones. A number of hormones start changes in the body that result in a period. These hormones may be decreased by:

• Medical conditions
• Treatments such as medication or radiation treatment
• Genetic disorders
• Lifestyle extremes such as poor nutrition, excessive physical activity, or high amounts of stress

Problems may also be caused by damage to the uterus itself. This is less common.

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that may increase the risk of amenorrhea include:

• Dramatic weight change—can occur with extreme diets, eating disorders, or excessive exercise
• Malnutrition
• Birth defects, including lack of female reproductive organs
• Chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities
• Certain medical or hormonal conditions, such as a thyroid disorder or pituitary tumor
• Medications, such as certain contraceptives
• Emotional distress
• Uterine scarring

Symptoms    TOP

Symptom for primary amenorrhea is:

• Absence of a menstrual period by age 16 years in a female, who has normal sexual development

Symptom for secondary amenorrhea is:

• Three or more missed periods in a row in a woman who has had regular periods

Diagnosis    TOP

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

The doctor may check for pregnancy or changes in hormones with:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests

Images of related organs or glands may be taken with:

• MRI scan
• Ultrasound

Treatment    TOP

Treatment will depend on what the cause is. Examples include:

• Weight-related amenorrhea may be completely relieved with:
  • Healthy diet
  • Balanced exercise
• Surgery—may be needed to fix related birth defects
• Hormone medication—may be needed to help boost hormone levels
• Stress management—Learning tools to help you relax, therapy, and exercise
• Surgery, radiation therapy, or medicine—if a tumor is causing the problem

Prevention    TOP

Amenorrhea can not always be prevented. Steps that may help to prevent some amenorrhea include:

• Keep a healthy level of body fat.
• Get help for an eating disorder.