Amenorrhea: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. It is divided into two categories:
  • Primary amenorrhea – from the beginning and usually lifelong; menstruation never begins at puberty.
  • Secondary amenorrhea – a condition in which menstrual periods which were at one time normal and regular become increasingly abnormal and irregular or absent.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a gynecologist evaluating a patients medical history and a complete physical examination including a pelvic examination. A variety of blood tests may be necessary, including:
  • Pregnancy test
  • Thyroid function test
  • Ovary function test
  • Hormonal tests
  • Other scans, which can include CT scans and ultrasounds of the reproductive system

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. It is divided into two categories:
Primary amenorrhea – from the beginning and usually lifelong; menstruation never begins at puberty.
Secondary amenorrhea is a condition in which menstrual periods which were at one time normal and regular become increasingly abnormal and irregular or absent.

2. What to do when one is suffering from such condition?
Keep a record of when your periods occur. Note the date your period starts, how long it lasts and any troublesome symptoms you experience. Regular massages with essential oils can reduce tension and improve overall health.

3. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall visit a doctor when one misses a period, have trouble with balance, coordination, or vision, begin producing breast milk, although one not given birth and have excessive body hair growth or is over age 16 and have not had first period.

4. How shall this condition be prevented?
The best way to prevent amenorrhea is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stay at a healthy weight, learn ways to cope with stress and emotional problems, and stay up to date with your scheduled pelvic exam and Pap smears.




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