Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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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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Is amenorrhea a disease?

Amenorrhea is first divided into physiological or pathological. If it is physiological, it generally is not a major issue, but pathological cases must be treated symptomatically. For physiological amenorrhea, such as not menstruating for three months during the breastfeeding period, this is normal. It's mainly influenced by the secretion of prolactin from the ovaries, so it’s possible not to have menstruation during breastfeeding, and this is not a problem. Moreover, some people use medications, such as those used to treat endometriosis, which can cause amenorrhea; this type of amenorrhea is normal, and menstruation usually resumes after stopping the medication. Then there is pathological amenorrhea, typically seen with severe conditions like uterine endometrium or intrauterine adhesions, which can also cause a lack of menstruation. Additionally, ovarian secretory dysfunction, certain endocrine disorders, or premature ovarian failure, can all lead to amenorrhea, requiring related medical examinations and symptomatic treatment in a hospital.

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What does amenorrhea mean?

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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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate amenorrhea for three months?

It has been three months since the last menstrual period, and if pregnancy has been definitively ruled out, then there must be a serious endocrine issue. It is necessary to identify the cause before treatment can be administered. Not all cases of amenorrhea are treated with the same medication. First, an ultrasound examination should be performed to assess the condition of the pelvic cavity and the uterine cavity, including the thickness of the endometrium and the volume of the uterus. Then, after inducing menstruation or if the endometrium is particularly thin, a blood test should be performed to check levels of thyroid hormones, sex hormones, etc. If there is an issue with weight gain, tests for insulin and blood sugar levels should also be conducted, and medication should be chosen based on the results of these tests.

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The Harm of Amenorrhea

In women, if amenorrhea occurs prematurely, it might indicate premature ovarian failure, which significantly impacts female reproductive function. This is because estrogen and progesterone, which are unique sex hormones in females, when depleted, can lead to atrophy of the reproductive organs, decreased libido, osteoporosis, and even early onset of heart disease. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be applied in cases of premature ovarian failure. If amenorrhea occurs after the age of 40, it is considered normal and is a common phenomenon that every woman experiences. If there are no contraindications to medication, HRT can also be used, which can significantly slow down the aging process in women, improve their quality of life, and visibly enhance their well-being.