Amenorrhea
Synopsis of Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods during reproductive years (generally between ages 15–49). It is classified as primary amenorrhea (when menstruation has not begun by age 15) or secondary amenorrhea (when menstruation stops for three or more consecutive cycles in a woman who previously had regular periods).
Amenorrhea itself is a symptom, not a disease, and indicates an underlying issue with the reproductive system, hormonal balance, or overall health. Causes range from natural life stages (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause) to medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, stress, or extreme weight loss.
While some causes are benign, persistent amenorrhea can lead to complications such as infertility or osteoporosis due to hormonal imbalances (especially low estrogen levels).
Types:
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Primary amenorrhea: Failure to begin menstruation by age 15, often linked to genetic, anatomical, or hormonal causes.
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Secondary amenorrhea: Cessation of periods for three months (in women with regular cycles) or six months (in women with irregular cycles) after menarche.
Common Causes:
Primary Amenorrhea:
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Genetic disorders: Turner syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome.
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Anatomical abnormalities: Imperforate hymen, absent uterus, or vaginal septum.
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Hormonal imbalances: Hypothalamic or pituitary disorders delaying puberty.
Secondary Amenorrhea:
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Most common natural causes.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalance affecting ovulation.
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Thyroid dysfunction: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism disrupts hormonal cycles.
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Extreme weight loss or low body fat: Anorexia, bulimia, or intense exercise suppress menstrual cycles.
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Stress: Physical or emotional stress can affect the hypothalamus and halt ovulation.
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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): Early menopause before age 40.
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Medications: Antipsychotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy, or hormonal contraceptives.
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Pituitary tumors (prolactinomas): Affect hormone production regulating menstruation.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Infertility: Due to lack of ovulation.
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Osteoporosis: Low estrogen can lead to bone density loss.
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Cardiovascular risks: Hormonal imbalances can increase risks for heart disease.
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Emotional distress: Anxiety or depression related to fertility or body image concerns.
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Delayed puberty (in primary amenorrhea): Can affect sexual development and self-esteem.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist:
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No periods by age 15 (primary amenorrhea)
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Missed three consecutive periods (secondary amenorrhea)
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Symptoms of hormonal imbalances (acne, excessive hair growth, hair thinning)
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Signs of thyroid dysfunction (fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity)
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Concerns about fertility or bone health
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History of eating disorders or intense exercise
Natural remedies for Amenorrhea
Nutrient-Dense Diet: Supports overall hormonal health, especially when related to weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Focus on healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
Healthy Weight Maintenance: Achieving a healthy body weight helps regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. Avoid extreme dieting or overexercising.
Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Maca): Help balance stress hormones (cortisol) and support reproductive hormone function. May assist with stress-induced or hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Vitex (Chasteberry): Supports pituitary gland function and balances progesterone levels, potentially aiding in menstrual regularity. Traditionally used for cycle irregularities.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support hormone production and reduce inflammation. Found in fish oil, flaxseed, chia seeds.
Vitamin D and Calcium: Support bone health, especially if estrogen levels are low due to amenorrhea. Supplement or ensure adequate sunlight exposure and dietary sources.
B Vitamins (especially B6 and B12): Support energy metabolism and hormonal balance. May aid in restoring menstrual function.
Stress Reduction (Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness): Balances the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing stress-related amenorrhea. Practice daily for hormonal resilience.
Gentle Exercise (if overexercising is a factor): Moderation in physical activity can help restore balance. Include restorative activities like yoga or walking.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Amenorrhea
ashwagandha
calcium
chaste tree
chasteberry
dong quai root
fennel
fenugreek
ginger
ginseng
iron
licorice root
maca
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
rhodiola
selenium
vitamin B6
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
shen-chu
anise
blessed thistle
dioscorea
shepherd's purse
thyroid substance
17a-ethyl-estr-5(6)-ene-3B-diol
6 Bromo 3, 17 dioxoetioallochalane
Achyranthes bidentata
Asoka
Animal Tissue
Asafetida
Average Herb Strength
Agmisode
Ambergris
Angelica
Asparagus racemosus
Achyranthes
Asoka Tree
Alchemilla
Aletris
Adrenergic amines
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Agnoside
Agnusides
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Asteracea
Aloe
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Anti-aromatase
Blue Cohosh
Blend (Combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
Bethroot
Ba Ji Tian
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
Blackhaw
Curcuma wenyujin
Cohosh
Chinese Chastetree
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chinese mugwort
Calcium
cloves
Cyperus rotundus
Chastetree
Calcium
Chinese Dodder
Chinese peony
Chinese Motherwort
Chinese Licorice
Chrysophanics
Dioscorea collettii
Desoxydiosgenin
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Dwarf lilyturf
Dodder
European Pennyroyal
English Oak
Estrogen
False Unicorn Root
Five-leaf Chastetree
False Unicorn
Fenugreek
Fennel
Ginger
Heal-All
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Huang Hua (unspecified)
Iron
Iron
Iris
Korean Angelica
Kurtha zopfil
Lady's Mantle
Licorice
Licorice (various)
Labisia pumila
Motherwort
Montanoa tomentosa
Maca
Macaenes
Nutmeg & Mace
Oil (unspecified)
Ovary
Ovary
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Pungent Principles
Pennyroyal
Progesterone
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Pulsatilla
Panax Pseudoginseng
Pennyroyal (unspecified)
Pituitary Gland
Placenta
Pituitary
plant (unspecified)
Progesterone
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phytoestrogen
Pituitary
Paeonia moutan
Peony (unspecified)
Phytoestrogen (unspecified)
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Rue
Resin (unspecified)
Spice (unspecified)
Stellaria dichotoma
Shepherd's Purse
Squaw Vine
Thyroid
Thyroid
Testosterone precursor (unspecified)
Total Fat
Tagetes
Uterus
Uterus
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitamin B6 (Mixed)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine)
Vitamin B6
Viburnum (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (unspecified)
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitex (unspecified)
Wild Yam
Western Mugwort
Yam (unspecified)
