Secondary amenorrhea:

It is common for women to have irregular menstrual cycles and even skip a period occasionally. Therefore, secondary amenorrhea is said to occur when a women who was previously menstruating has an absence of her period for six months or longer.

Causes of amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea should be investigated if a girl has not had her first menstrual cycle by the age of 16. Causes of primary amenorrhea include chromosomal abnormalities, congenital defects and/or obstructions or the reproductive system, hormonal imbalance, syndromes such as PCOS, anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercising, and stressful life events.

Secondary amenorrhea is a primary indicator of pregnancy. When pregnancy is not the cause, there are several other common reasons for a women not to menstruate including breastfeeding, hormonal imbalance, and medications such as birth control pills and certain tranquilizers. Anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercise, weight gain or weight loss, and stress can also cause an absence of your period.

What should I do if my child has an absent period?

Any time a child has not started menstruating by the age of 16, she should be evaluated by a doctor. Her doctor may run blood work to rule out pregnancy. She may also check for thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal disorders. She will perform a pelvic exam to check for any structural abnormalities such as imperforate hymen (hymen with no opening). She will want a thorough history including exercise and diet habits, recent stressors, current medication, and any past medical history. Her doctor may also perform an ultrasound to check for congenital birth defects such as absence of uterus or ovaries or other congenital abnormalities. Other lab work may include chromosomal studies and pap smear.

What should I do if I have amenorrhea?

If you have missed two or more periods, you will want to see your doctor. Your doctor will likely perform blood work to check for pregnancy. She may run tests to check thyroid levels, progesterone levels, and other hormones. She will want a thorough medical history including diet, exercise, medications, and diseases that might effect menstruation. She may also investigate symptoms of menopause.

Treatment of amenorrhea

Amenorrhea in and of itself is not a disease or illness. It is merely a symptom. Therefore, treatment will vary depending on the cause.

Congenital abnormalities and defects: If amenorrhea is caused by a congenital birth defect, it may not be correctable. Conditions such as imperforate hymen can be corrected by surgery.

Hormonal imbalances: Many hormonal causes of amenorrhea can be corrected with appropriate medication.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy is the most common reason for an absent period. Prenatal care should be sought out if pregnancy is determined to be the cause.

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can cause an absence of menstruation. The medical term for this is lactation induced amenorrhea. It is very common for menstruation to not occur during the course of breastfeeding. However, it should be noted that breastfeeding alone is not recommended for birth controls since pregnancy can occur when breastfeeding even with an absence of menstruation.

Diet, exercise, and nutrition: Women who are underweight or perform strenuous exercise regularly, such as runners and gymnasts, may experience amenorrhea. Your doctor will want to work with you on modifying your diet and exercise routine to a healthy level to ensure the return of menstruation.