Amenorrhea: When Missing Periods Become a Medical Concern

• Written by Yash

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Nearly 1 in 4 women experience amenorrhea at least once in their lifetime. While missing a period occasionally might not seem alarming, a persistent absence of menstruation, known as amenorrhea, can signal serious health concerns. Amenorrhea is categorised into two types, primary and secondary, and affects women of different age groups for various reasons. In this blog, we will discuss what amenorrhea is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. 

What is Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. Common reasons for amenorrhea include hormonal imbalances, excessive stress, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as extreme dieting or intense exercise. There are two types of amenorrhea - primary and secondary.

Types of Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is of two types: characterised by the absence and by the abnormal stoppage of menstrual cycles in women of reproductive age:

Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea is when someone older than 15 has never gotten their first period despite having other signs of puberty, such as breast development. It typically occurs due to genetic conditions and hormonal imbalances.

Secondary Amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea occurs when someone who has been having regular periods stops getting their period for at least three consecutive months or their period stops for six months when they were previously regular. It happens because of many reasons, like pregnancy, stress, and menopause. 

How to Know the Signs of Amenorrhea?

Absence of periods is the main symptom that you experience in amenorrhea; other symptoms that you might experience, depending on the cause, are :

• Excess facial or body hair
• Acne or oily skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Milky nipple discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Headaches or vision changes

What are the Causes of Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea can happen for many reasons. Some are usual, while others may be a side effect of medication or a sign of a medical problem. Let’s understand what the medical reasons are behind amenorrhea.

Common Causes of Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea is when someone older than 15 has never had their first period. Common causes include :

• Genital or chromosomal disorder - Turner syndrome ( a genetic situation that occurs when one of the two X chromosomes is missing )
• Hormonal imbalances - Pituitary gland or hypothalamus disorders
• Congenital abnormalities - Absence or underdevelopment of reproductive organs

Common Causes of Secondary Amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea occurs when someone who has been having regular periods stops getting their period for at least three consecutive months. Common causes include :

• Pregnancy
• PCOS
• Excessive exercise
• Breastfeeding
• Menopause
• Stress
• Birth control methods

Treatment Options

Suppose your period stopped because of secondary amenorrhea. In that case, you may not require any treatment, but if it is because of primary amenorrhea, then the healthcare professional might consider the following amenorrhea treatment options:  

• Weight management - Maintaining a healthy body weight plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of amenorrhea. Following an exercise routine and a balanced diet can help you to manage your weight effectively.
• Changing exercise levels - Reducing excessive exercise can help in treating amenorrhea by addressing the hormonal imbalances that are caused by overtraining.
• Stress management - Manage stress through therapy, relaxation techniques, or counselling.
• Medication - Hormonal treatment is also done in some cases, like birth control pills, hormone therapy, Progesterone supplements, Thyroid medications, and Dopamine agonists.
• Surgery (in rare cases ) - Uterine scarring, Congenital abnormalities.

Managing amenorrhea often requires regular doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and sometimes long-term treatment. That’s where a Comprehensive health insurance plan becomes essential. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan makes sure that expenses for consultations, tests, and treatments are covered, reducing financial stress during recovery.

Key Takeaway!

Although amenorrhea is sometimes disregarded, it is a crucial symptom of a woman's overall health. The lack of menstruation is something that should never be ignored, regardless of the cause, whether it is because of physical issues, hormonal imbalances, or changes in lifestyle. It's about fertility, bone health, and long-term wellbeing, not just about missing your period. Future problems can be avoided, and menstrual health can be effectively restored with early diagnosis, appropriate medical advice, and individualised treatment.

By listening to your body, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and getting timely care, you can take control of your reproductive health and ensure your body stays in balance. Keep in mind that your menstrual cycle is a sign of your inner wellness and is more than just a monthly event.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.