What is amenorrhea?
Treatment for secondary amenorrhea will vary depending on the root cause. If the reason is mainly environmental, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes that can make your cycles more regular.
Many women begin menstruation once they reach puberty, typically before reaching the age of 15. Natural changes in the body can delay the point at which a girl has her first menstrual cycle. Older women may also stop getting their period for various reasons.
Amenorrhea is a condition where an adolescent girl or woman stops having menstrual cycles. It can be broken down into two types:
- Primary amenorrhea — An adolescent girl not having a menstrual cycle by the time she turns 15.
- Secondary amenorrhea — An adolescent girl or woman who stops menstruating for at least three months after having previous menstrual cycles.
Primary amenorrhea is typically characterized by having no menstrual flow while showing other signs of puberty. If you have menstruated previously, you may want to see a medical doctor to get checked out for possible secondary amenorrhea if you have any of the following symptoms along with a lack of menstrual cycles:
- You notice a change in your breast size
- You seem to be gaining or losing weight for no reason
- You notice discharge coming from your breasts
- You notice an increase in hair growth in a male pattern
- You start developing acne
- You experience vaginal dryness
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Possible complications from amenorrhea
Low estrogen levels caused by amenorrhea can possibly lead to medical complications like:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Problems focusing
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Brittle bones
- Depression
- Painful sex
- Weight gain
- Narrowing of the vagina