Is Amenorrhea Cause for Alarm?

Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation. If a woman misses three consecutive menstrual periods, or if a pubescent girl still doesn’t experience her first menstruation by the age of 15 years, she is considered amenorrheic.

While some might think the lack of menstruation may not seem like such a cause for alarm, amenorrhea actually sheds a lot of light on the overall health and well-being of a woman. In fact, many cases of amenorrhea point to certain conditions that can greatly affect a woman’s life.

What Causes Amenorrhea?

The most common cause for amenorrhea is pregnancy. Of course, when a woman is pregnant, her regular cycles are brought to a halt as her body focuses on nourishing and sustaining the egg that has been fertilized. Without ovulation, she won’t menstruate and will thus be termed amenorrheic.

Breastfeeding mothers are also prone to developing amenorrhea. This is the result of an increase in progesterone which combats the effects of estrogen in the body. So a woman who directly breastfeeds at regular intervals throughout the day may find herself to be amenorrheic perhaps even until she chooses to stop breastfeeding.

More serious causes of amenorrhea include hormonal problems like PCOS, thyroid problems, and tumors that disrupt the proper functioning of the pituitary gland. Structural problems with the uterus, vagina, and ovaries are also known causes of amenorrhea leading to infertility.

Finally, some women experience a lack of period because of other health-related problems. Being overweight, indulging in vices like excessive cigarette smoking or alcohol drinking, and exposure to too much stress have all been seen to cause the disruption of a proper and healthy menstrual cycle.

Why Should Amenorrhea Be a Cause for Alarm?

What you should know about your menstrual cycle is that it tells you how healthy your body’s internal workings are. Any problems with your menstruation could be pointing to certain conditions and even disease that can threaten more than just your capability to bear a child. In some instances, amenorrhea has also been seen to pre-empt certain cancers.

Amenorrhea should be a cause for concern because it can help your doctor pinpoint potential threats in your system that could become more complicated and dangerous later on. By visiting your gynecologist at the first signs of amenorrhea, you can prevent any possible problems from worsening, and re-establish a healthy cycle to aid in your overall wellness.