22/12/2018
DEFINITION
Amenorrhea (uh-men-o-REE-uh) is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea, as do girls who haven't begun menstruation by age 15.
The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy. Other causes of amenorrhea include problems with the reproductive organs or with the glands that help regulate hormone levels. Treatment of the underlying condition often resolves amenorrhea.
SYMPTOMS
The main sign of amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, you might experience other signs or symptoms along with the absence of periods, such as:
Milky ni**le dischargeHair lossHeadacheVision changesExcess facial hairPelvic painAcne
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you've missed at least three menstrual periods in a row, or if you've never had a menstrual period and you're age 15 or older.
CAUSES
Amenorrhea can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are normal during the course of a woman's life, while others may be a side effect of medication or a sign of a medical problem.
Natural amenorrhea
During the normal course of your life, you may experience amenorrhea for natural reasons, such as:
PregnancyBreast-feedingMenopause
Contraceptives
Some women who take birth control pills may not have periods. Even after stopping oral contraceptives, it may take some time before regular ovulation and menstruation return. Contraceptives that are injected or implanted also may cause amenorrhea, as can some types of intrauterine devices.
Medications
Certain medications can cause menstrual periods to stop, including some types of:
AntipsychoticsCancer chemotherapyAntidepressantsBlood pressure drugsAllergy medications
Lifestyle factors
Sometimes lifestyle factors contribute to amenorrhea, for instance:
Low body weight. Excessively low body weight — about 10 percent under normal weight — interrupts many hormonal functions