Amenorrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause. For example, women may develop masculine characteristics (virilization), such as excess body hair (hirsutism), a deepened voice, and increased muscle size. They may have headaches, vision problems, or a decreased sex drive. They may have difficulty becoming pregnan
Common causes of primary amenorrhea include:
- A chromosomal or genetic problem with the ovaries (the female sex organs that hold the eggs).
- Hormonal issues stemming from problems with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland
- Structural problems with the reproductive organs, such as missing parts of the reproductive system.
Common causes of secondary amenorrhea include:
- Pregnancy (which is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea).
- Breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
- Previous uterine surgery with subsequent scarring (for example, if you had a dilation and curettage, often called D&C).
Other causes of secondary amenorrhea can include:
- Stress
- Poor nutrition.
- Weight changes — extreme weight loss or obesity.
- Exercises associated with low weight.
- Ongoing illness or chronic illness.
- You may also have conditions that can cause secondary amenorrhea.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, when you experience menopause before age 40.
- Pituitary disorders, such as a benign pituitary tumor or excessive production of prolactin.
- Other hormonal problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal disorders or hypothyroidism.
- Ovarian tumors.
- Surgery to remove uterus or ovaries.
Investigations
- Blood tests to check hormone levels and detect thyroid or Pituitary, adrenal gland disorders.
- Genetic testing, if you have primary ovarian insufficiency and are younger than 40.
- Ultrasonography- Abdominal and Pelvic scan.
- MRI, if your provider suspects a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
Treatment
- If your period stopped because of menopause or pregnancy, your provider will not need to treat it. In other cases, your treatment will depend on the cause and may include:
- Losing weight through dieting and exercise (if excess weight is the cause.
- Gaining weight through an individualized diet plan (if extreme weight loss is the cause).
- Stress management techniques.
- Changing exercise levels.
- Hormonal treatment (medication), as prescribed by your Gynecologist.
- Surgery (in rare cases) in tumors like Adrenal, pituitary, or Hypothalamic.
