What does amenorrhea mean?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The term "amenorrhea" that we often talk about refers to the sudden cessation of menstruation after it has occurred, stopping for more than three to six months. The normal age for menopause is around fifty years old, and a deviation of 3-5 years earlier or later is considered normal. Young women experiencing amenorrhea need to have their sex hormones tested, and then the menstrual cycle can be adjusted based on the results. There are many causes of amenorrhea, such as endocrine disorders, uterine diseases, emotional fluctuations, medication influences, gynecological inflammation, excessive fatigue, and severe mental stress, all of which can lead to amenorrhea. It is important to timely use dietary therapy and medication to treat it.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if my period has been absent for three months?

If a woman does not menstruate for three months, medically this is called amenorrhea. If she is relatively young, it is essential to visit a hospital for relevant examinations. Generally, an ultrasound is conducted first to check the thickness of the endometrial lining and to assess if there are any organic diseases affecting the uterus or ovaries. If the endometrium appears thin and there are no organic diseases, further examinations should include tests for six sex hormones, which are indicators of ovarian function. If the results suggest premature ovarian failure or some endocrine disorders, treatment can be tailored according to these findings. Moreover, if the woman has reached menopausal age and indeed has not menstruated for three months, this condition is considered amenorrhea, which might be physiological. Hence, if an older woman experiences amenorrhea, it is likely true menopausal amenorrhea. Additionally, if a woman who normally has regular menstrual cycles does not menstruate for three months, pregnancy cannot be ruled out, and it is crucial to conduct relevant tests for early pregnancy.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.

Amenorrhea is a type of endocrine disorder and menstrual irregularity in women. Normally, women have a menstrual period once a month. If there is no menstrual period for three consecutive months, it is medically referred to as amenorrhea. There are physiological and pathological types of amenorrhea. Physiological amenorrhea, such as during pregnancy, is normal when periods stop. Or it could be a physiological abnormality, for example, not having periods for three months during breastfeeding, which is also considered physiological. Pathological amenorrhea commonly includes conditions like intrauterine adhesions or ovarian dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, and so on. In such cases, it is necessary to visit a hospital for relevant examinations and then provide treatment based on the results of those examinations.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What tests are required for amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological diseases, and it usually requires an ultrasound and a sex hormone panel test. Testing the sex hormone panel should be done by drawing blood on an empty stomach in the morning, three to five days after the onset of menstruation, for more accurate results. After identifying the cause, treatment should be targeted accordingly. There are many reasons for amenorrhea in women, such as poor lifestyle habits, excessive fasting for weight loss, malnutrition, and kidney deficiency, all of which can cause this condition. Amenorrhea can lead to disturbances in the ovulation cycle and, in severe cases, prevent the development of follicles, causing infertility in women.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is it normal for a 42-year-old to have menopause?

Menopause at age 42 is abnormal, as the menopause age for most women in our country is between 45 and 55 years old. The age at menopause is mainly related to genetics, nutritional status, climate, immune function, and other factors. Menopause at 42 suggests that ovarian function has already declined, and women often experience symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep quality, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. For this situation, it is recommended that women visit a reputable hospital for a diagnosis as soon as possible. A typical examination includes the sex hormone panel to check for ovarian function decline. If there is indeed a decline in ovarian function, hormone medications can be used under a doctor’s guidance to enhance resistance. It is crucial to avoid staying up late and maintain a good mood.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is generally defined in medicine as a condition where menstruation stops for three consecutive months. There are physiological and pathological types of amenorrhea. Physiological amenorrhea, such as not menstruating during breastfeeding or pregnancy, is considered normal and does not require medication for treatment. Pathological amenorrhea usually occurs when someone who normally has regular periods suddenly stops menstruating for three months. In such cases, it is essential to visit a hospital for relevant examinations and then treat accordingly based on the results. Common issues include ovarian dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, and elevated prolactin levels, all of which can lead to amenorrhea. Treatment should be chosen based on the examination results.