Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods. It is called primary amenorrhea if it occurs at puberty, when a girl normally begins menstruating. Secondary amenorrhea refers to the lack of menstrual periods in women who have previously menstruated. Amenorrhea is normal in pre-pubescent girls and in women who have ceased menstruation due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.
Any healthy girl who has not had a period by the time she is 16 years old has primary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea may be caused by the delayed onset of puberty. It also may be linked to infertility caused by Turner's Syndrome, a genetic disorder that prevents sexual maturing in girls. Some cases of amenorrhea are associated with birth defects that cause the vagina or uterus to develop improperly.
Secondary amenorrhea may result from a variety of factors. It sometimes occurs for the first few months after a woman has stopped taking birth-control pills. This type is called postpill amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea also may be caused by intensive physical exercise, including long-distance running or ballet dancing; extreme weight loss; disorders of the endocrine system (such as tumors of the pituitary gland), and various disorders of the ovaries. An ovarian disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome, or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is characterized by an extremely irregular menstrual cycle in which ovulation may not occur. This disorder usually involves infertility, but treatment can help make the periods more regular.
Amenorrhea is often caused by psychological factors. Increased stress brought on by such major life events as losing a partner or loss or change of occupation can upset the normal menstrual cycle for a few months or longer. Increased stress can cause hormonal changes, such as raised levels of cortisol and prolactin, which affect menstruation. Periods normally return after the stress subsides.
Treatment of amenorrhea is determined by its cause. Hormone therapy can be effective for primary amenorrhea caused by hormonal changes. Surgery can sometimes alleviate cases related to hereditary problems. Stress reduction and a proper diet can often restore the menstrual period in cases of secondary amenorrhea.
Foods to consider
Whole Grains
Organic Vegetables
Cold-Water fish
Nuts
Seeds
Supplements Calcium Magnesium Vitamin D Vitamin K Boron Iodine Tyrosine Zinc
Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods. It is called primary amenorrhea if it occurs at puberty, when a girl normally begins menstruating. Secondary amenorrhea refers to the lack of menstrual periods in women who have previously menstruated. Amenorrhea is normal in pre-pubescent girls and in women who have ceased menstruation due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.
Any healthy girl who has not had a period by the time she is 16 years old has primary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea may be caused by the delayed onset of puberty. It also may be linked to infertility caused by Turner's Syndrome, a genetic disorder that prevents sexual maturing in girls. Some cases of amenorrhea are associated with birth defects that cause the vagina or uterus to develop improperly.
Secondary amenorrhea may result from a variety of factors. It sometimes occurs for the first few months after a woman has stopped taking birth-control pills. This type is called postpill amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea also may be caused by intensive physical exercise, including long-distance running or ballet dancing; extreme weight loss; disorders of the endocrine system (such as tumors of the pituitary gland), and various disorders of the ovaries. An ovarian disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome, or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is characterized by an extremely irregular menstrual cycle in which ovulation may not occur. This disorder usually involves infertility, but treatment can help make the periods more regular.
Amenorrhea is often caused by psychological factors. Increased stress brought on by such major life events as losing a partner or loss or change of occupation can upset the normal menstrual cycle for a few months or longer. Increased stress can cause hormonal changes, such as raised levels of cortisol and prolactin, which affect menstruation. Periods normally return after the stress subsides.
Treatment of amenorrhea is determined by its cause. Hormone therapy can be effective for primary amenorrhea caused by hormonal changes. Surgery can sometimes alleviate cases related to hereditary problems. Stress reduction and a proper diet can often restore the menstrual period in cases of secondary amenorrhea.
Foods to consider
Whole Grains
Organic Vegetables
Cold-Water fish
Nuts
Seeds
Supplements Calcium Magnesium Vitamin D Vitamin K Boron Iodine Tyrosine Zinc
Copyright 2000 T.F.N. All rights reserved.