It is normal to have periods during a woman’s reproductive health; however, when periods cease or fluctuate, this may be an indication of something more serious.
Amenorrhea is the medical term used to refer to the loss of periods, and it is essential to evaluate the reasons, effects and solutions to this issue in every woman. It may be related to the change in lifestyle, a disorder in the hormonal balance or even related to a certain health condition, but the failure to observe your period cannot be neglected.
So, what exactly is amenorrhea? What are its types, most common signs, and ways to manage it anyway? Well, let us find out and define amenorrhea so you can know more about your health and feel strong as a woman.
What is Amenorrhea?
Defining amenorrhea requires the fact that it represents the lack of menstrual period experienced by a woman of reproductive age. It is not the disease but its symptoms that might be caused by a number of medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
It is possible to consider two basic types of amenorrhea:
Primary Amenorrhea: This is when a girl has not received her first menstrual cycle by age 15.
Secondary Amenorrhea: This is seen when a woman who was getting regular periods fails to do so after three months or longer.
The amenorrhea meaning (Absence of Periods), is important to understand in order to point out the significance of menstrual health. It is your body telling you that something may not be right-hormonally, physically, or emotionally.
The Major Amenorrhea Symptoms
As much as the most noticeable indicator is the lack of periods, there are a couple of other amenorrhea symptoms that women may go through, depending on the causal agent. These include:
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- High amounts of facial hair
- Acne or oily skin
- Pelvic pain
- Hair loss or thinning of hair
- Nipple discharge
In case you have one or more of the mentioned symptoms, amenorrhea could be a consequence of not only a late period. Medical consultation is highly necessary in order to get to the root of the cause.
Possible Amenorrhea Causes
There are many causes, physical and psychological, that may cause the absence of periods. Among standard reasons are:
- Pregnancy (first, always rule it out)
- PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism thyroid disorders
- Pituitary gland tumors
- Severe weight loss or eating disorder
- Primarily over-physical exercise
- Chronic stress
- Premature failure of the ovaries-menopause
- Drugs or contraceptives
The central cause is the essence of precise diagnosis and restoration of amenorrhea.
Diagnosis: Amenorrhea, how is it Diagnosed?
When your periods cannot be located over a space of three months, you will find a doctor:
- Please know your medical history
- Carry out a physical examination
- Get blood tests to examine hormone levels
- Investigate the reproductive system or the pituitary gland
- Amenorrhea should be detected early so that in the future, the complications of infertility or osteoporosis can be handled.
Amenorrhea Treatment: How to Deal with It?
Treatments of amenorrhea are purely dependent on causation. It depends purely on each person; here are some popular methods of amenorrhea treatment:
- Lifestyle Changes: In case the problem is stress, weight loss, or exercise, a change of these aspects can help to normalize menstruation.
- Medications: There might be hormonal levels that are imbalanced, which means medications can be prescribed, like estrogen or progesterone.
- Surgery: Only in exceptional cases, it may be necessary in the case of structural anomalies or tumors.
- Nutritional Counseling: In the case of women with eating disorders, proper nutrition and weight gain will get their periods started again.
Determining the suitable amenorrhea treatments, most women obtain a normal menstrual cycle and prevent complications.
Take Ownership of Womanhood Confidently
The well-being of a woman is dependent upon her menstrual health. Not to take lightly a sign that does not suit the situation, as, in the case under consideration, there are no periods. A timely involvement is not only about physical health, but it also comes with peace of mind.
Here in Embrace Womenhood, we feel that every woman should feel empowered and supported in whatever stage of her life. It can be learning about your cycle or handling changes, but always keep in mind, you are not alone on this journey. Be a woman who is assured of her knowledge and self-care.
FAQs
How Many Missed Periods Mean Something is Wrong?
Missing a period every now and then is not normally a big deal. Nevertheless, when you skip three periods in a row, it is advisable that you visit a health practitioner.
Can Stress Cause My Period to Stop?
Yes, when a person is under constant stress, it may influence the hormones that take part in menstruation and cause periods to be missed or amenorrhea.
Is It Normal to Miss a Period Without Being Pregnant?
Although it may occur because of a change in lifestyle, such as traveling or sickness, abnormal, prolonged missed periods, even without pregnancy, are supposed to be assessed to exclude some unseen cases.
What is Amenorrhea, and What Causes It?
Amenorrhea is the lack of menstrual periods in females. The factors leading to it are pregnancy, PCOS, thyroid, stress, vigorous exercise, or medical problems such as premature menopause.
How Long Can a Woman Go Without Having a Period?
In the absence of menopause or pregnancy, the absence of a period for more than three months (in case of women with regular menstrual cycles) should be evaluated by the doctor.
Can Weight Loss or Exercise Cause Missed Periods?
Absolutely. Amenorrhea can be caused by substantial weight loss, inadequate diet, or over-exercising, which would disturb the hormonal balance.
Final Thoughts
Learning the symptoms amenorrhea, its causes, amenorrhea define, and paying attention to treatment will help you regain the normal state of your reproductive health. Absence of periods is not something to be embarrassed about, and therefore, in case you or a friend is having such a problem, contact a medical practitioner.
Pay attention to your body, because every woman also needs to spend her healthiest years and be really female.
