Causes of amenorrhea, a condition that keeps a woman from menstruating & bull; hello healthy

If you are a woman, menstruation has certainly become a routine thing that you experience every month, unless you are pregnant or have experienced menopause. However, what if you are not menstruating even though you are not pregnant and are not yet menopausal? What really happened? Should you feel anxious and see a doctor?

The condition in which a woman does not menstruate is called amenorrhea or amenorrhea. Naturally, if you do not experience menstruation during pregnancy or after menopause. However, if you don't have periods outside of these two conditions, this condition may be a symptom of a certain medical condition.

Types amenorrhea

Broadly speaking, there are two types of amenorrhea, namely amenorrhea primary and secondary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea primary is a condition in which a woman has not had her first menstruation at all after the age of 16 years or more. Teenage girls generally start menstruating at the age of 9 to 18 years, with an average age of 12 years.

On the other hand, amenorrhea secondary is a condition when a woman has not had menstruation for three cycles, even though she had previously had menstruation. In general, secondary amenorrhea is more common.

Causes of amenorrhea

Primary and secondary amenorrhea can occur due to various causes. Some are natural causes, while others are due to certain medical conditions that must be treated. The following are some of the causes of menorrhea:

• Natural causes: usually caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
• Lifestyle: exercise that is too strenuous and stressful. Having too much or too little body fat can also delay or stop menstruation.
• Hormone imbalance: usually caused by a tumor in the pituitary or thyroid gland. In addition, it can also be caused by low estrogen levels or high testosterone levels.
• Medicines: Usually caused by drugs such as anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, chemotherapy, and high blood pressure medications. In addition, stopping birth control pills suddenly can also stop menstruation for several cycles before finally returning to normal.
• Physical abnormalities: such as structural problems in the female reproductive organs such as congenital abnormalities, tumors, or infections that occur in the uterus immediately after childbirth. In rare cases, amenorrhea can be caused by Asherman's syndrome, which occurs due to the formation of scar tissue in the uterus after surgery.
• Genetic disorders: genetic or chromosomal disorders, such as Turner syndrome or Sawyer syndrome, can cause amenorrhea.

When should you see a doctor?

All young women who have never experienced menstruation by the age of 16 should consult a doctor. In addition, young women aged 14 years or over who have not shown signs of puberty such as pubic hair growth and enlarged breasts, are also advised to consult a doctor.

For women who have had periods before, menstruation that does not come for three consecutive months can be a sign that you should immediately see a doctor.

What will the doctor do?

The doctor will first ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Prepare yourself to explain to your doctor about your usual menstrual cycle, your lifestyle, and any other symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor may also do a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.

After you are sure that you are not pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a series of tests such as:

• Blood tests: your doctor may check the levels of hormones in your body related to menstruation.
• Ultrasound: this imaging exam is used to see the organs in your body such as the ovaries, uterus, and check for any abnormal mass growths.
• CT-scan: this imaging exam produces clearer images than ultrasound. Through this examination the doctor can see more clearly whether there is a tumor or mass in your gland or organ.

How to treat amenorrhea?

Treatment for amenorrhea varies depending on the cause. Hormone imbalance can be overcome by giving homon or artificial hormone supplements. Structural abnormalities may require more invasive procedures such as removal of ovarian cysts or scar tissue that is preventing you from having your period.

If the cause is a lifestyle problem, the doctor will ask you to change your lifestyle, such as reducing excessive exercise and adjusting your weight. You can ask if you need to consult a nutritionist about this.

In essence, immediate treatment and medication adherence are the main keys. Always consult your doctor if your condition does not improve with the therapy given.

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