General Medical Advices

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in a woman of childbearing age. The word “amenorrhea” comes from the Greek for deprivation, men for months and rhein to flow.

From 2% to 5% of the female population would be affected by amenorrhea. This is a single symptom, but it’s reality or origin of disease quite different from each other. In effect, amenorrhea may be quite natural if, for example, the woman is pregnant, breastfeeding or has attained the age of menopause. But it may also be a telltale sign of a health problem underlying more serious, like an eating disorder or endocrine disease.

Every woman is in either of the following is considered amenorrheic and should consult a doctor:

* No menstrual period at age 14 years and lack of development of secondary sexual characteristics (breast development of the pubic hair and armpits and distribution of adipose tissue in the hips, buttocks and thighs);
* No menstrual period at age 16 years and present a development of secondary sexual characteristics;
* A woman has been menstruating, the absence of menstruation for a period of time equivalent to at least three intervals of previous menstrual cycles or six months without menstruation.

Causes

The causes of amenorrhea are numerous. Here are the most frequent.

* Delayed puberty. The age of puberty is normally between 11 and 13 years. Delayed puberty is common among young women who are thin or very athletic. It seems that these young women do not have enough body fat to allow the production of estrogen hormones. Estrogens allow thickening of the uterine wall and subsequent menstruation when the egg was not fertilized by sperm. Somehow, the bodies of these young women are naturally protects and noted that fitness is inadequate to support a pregnancy.
If signs of sexual maturation are still absent at the age of 14 years, one should suspect a chromosomal problem (only one X sex chromosome instead of two, a condition known as Turner syndrome), a problem Development of the reproductive or hormonal problem.
* Pregnancy. The most common cause of amenorrhea, it should be first suspected in a sexually active woman. Surprisingly, it often happens that this case be dismissed without prior verification – which is not without risk. Some treatments indicated for the treatment of amenorrhea-cons are indicated in pregnancy.
* Breastfeeding. Often, women who breastfeed do not menstruate. However, note that they may still have ovulated during this period, and therefore a new pregnancy.
* The arrival of menopause. Menopause is the cessation of menstruation naturally occurring in women aged 45 to 55 years. Estrogen production decreases gradually, so that the periods become irregular, then disappear completely. It can occur sporadically ovulation, and that during the two years following the cessation of menstruation.
* The decision of taking a contraceptive (birth control pills). It is possible that a few months is needed before the normal cycle of ovulation and menstruation is restored. It is called amenorrhea postcontraceptive. This is particularly the case among women with irregular cycles before taking the contraceptive. Furthermore, it is normal for menstruation to cease during the use of contraception, which is administered by injection.
* The practice of a discipline or a demanding sport like marathon running, bodybuilding, gymnastics or ballet career. L ‘gestation of the sport “is due to the lack of fatty tissue and stress which the body is subjected. There is a lack of estrogen in women. It may also be the body to not wasting energy as often undergoes a diet low in calories. Amenorrhea is 4 to 20 times more frequent among athletes than among the population générale1.
* A stress or psychological shock. The so-called psychogenic amenorrhea due to a psychological shock or any other type of stress (travel, major changes in lifestyle, etc..) Which may temporarily affect the functioning of the hypothalamus and cause cessation of menstruation as long as the source of stress persists.
* A rapid weight loss or eating pathology. Body weight too low can lead to a decline in estrogen production and a cessation of menstruation. In the majority of women with anorexia nervosa or bulimia, menstruation stops.
* An excessive secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes the growth of the mammary gland and lactation. Excessive secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland may be caused by a small tumor (always benign) or certain medications. Her medical treatment is simple.

Other causes

* Obesity.
* Medications such as oral corticosteroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics or chemotherapy. The drug can also cause amenorrhea.
* Chronic diseases or endocrine. The cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, diabetes, tumor or an ovarian cyst (or polycystic ovarian syndrome), hyperthyroidism.
* Surgical removal of the uterus or ovaries.

Symptoms

* No menstruation at the age of 14 years and lack of development of secondary sexual characteristics.
* No menstruation at the age of 16 years and present a development of secondary sexual characteristics.
* If a woman has been menstruating, the absence of menstruation for a period of time equivalent to at least three intervals of previous menstrual cycles or six months without menstruation.

NB In case of deficiency of estrogen, there may have hot flashes, mood swings, depression and vaginal dryness.

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