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Understanding Irregular Menstruation and Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea.

period It is caused by the sloughing of the endometrium. Blood and tissue come out of the vagina. The menstrual cycle is a result of the complex control of the reproductive organs. by the lower brain The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, which controls ovulation. The ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The uterus responds to these hormones and creates a thicker endometrium. Ready for embryo implantation and pregnancy.

amenorrhea or menstruation is irregular It is the absence of menstruation for approximately 3-6 months, with 1 in 4 women likely to experience this condition at least once in their lives.

Types of amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea It is the absence of menstruation after the age of 15 or after reaching reproductive age for 5 years, which may be caused by genetics or may occur later.
Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for 3-6 months, which may be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, or chronic disease.

Menstrual symptoms are not normal.

The main symptom is the absence of menstruation. There may be other symptoms as well. It depends on the cause of amenorrhea.

Symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, facial or body hair growth, vaginal dryness, lactation, acne, headaches, vision changes.

The reason that menstruation is irregular or missed menstruation

Amenorrhea from natural causes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.
Medication use such as birth control pills, antihistamines, and blood pressure control drugs Antipsychotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy
Lifestyle factors such as exercising too much high energy expenditure of the body low body fat Body weight approximately 10% less than standard body weight, which is often seen in athletes or ballet dancers. Or have a disease with abnormal eating behavior, such as bulimia or anorexia. It will affect hormone levels and ovulation. Until menstruation does not come In addition, having mental stress can affect hormones and the menstrual cycle.
unbalanced hormone levels Due to health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome This results in high hormone levels all the time. Thyroid dysfunction, including an overactive thyroid gland hypothyroidism which makes menstruation irregular Pituitary gland tumor or premature menopause
reproductive organ problems

The presence of fibrosis in the uterine cavity Due to Asherman’s syndrome, which may be caused by cesarean section. Treatment of uterine fibrosis or curettage of the uterus
no reproductive organs such as the uterus, cervix, or vagina from birth
The vagina is narrowed or blocked. obstructing menstrual flow

Risk factors that cause irregular periods

Risk factors for amenorrhea include stress and excessively intense exercise. Too much or too little body weight Not eating enough food from the 5 food groups, abnormal eating habits, chronic disease, having a family history of premature menopause or amenorrhea. or have a genetic disease that affects a woman’s reproductive system

Complications if there is amenorrhea

Infertility in people with irregular ovulation. Risk of miscarriage if amenorrhea is caused by hormonal imbalances in the body. Risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease Due to insufficient estrogen levels, lower abdominal pain, if amenorrhea is caused by a physical problem. Mental stress occurs due to menstruation not coming as usual.

Diagnosis

History and physical examination
The doctor will ask about your menstrual history and perform an internal examination. If the patient keeps a journal of menstruation, it will help in diagnosing the cause of the disease.
pregnancy test
blood test
genetic testing To assess whether there is ovarian failure or not. Especially those under 40 years of age.
Imaging diagnosis Such as an ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus, or an MRI to check the pituitary gland.

Treat amenorrhea or irregular periods.

Amenorrhea due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause does not require treatment. If your amenorrhea is caused by another issue, lifestyle changes may help. By starting to eat foods that are beneficial to health Exercise regularly, such as lifting weights or exercising to build strong muscles. and deal with stress Some people may need to take hormone medicine such as estrogen, calcium, or vitamin D. Doctors may perform surgery on patients with uterine fibroids. pituitary tumor Have a vaginal septum or hymen that does not open.

Preventing irregular menstruation

Eat nutritious food from all five food groups and exercise regularly. Get adequate and quality sleep. deal with stress See the gynecologist as scheduled for an internal examination and Pap smear. Keep a record of each menstrual cycle. To see what day and how long your menstrual cycle starts? Have you missed your period?

Preparation before seeing the doctor

Ask family members if anyone has ever had amenorrhea? Keep a record of the symptoms you have. Day and duration of menstruation Medicines and dietary supplements currently being taken Problems that affect the mind that are being faced Including questions you want to ask the doctor, such as:
What causes amenorrhea? Is it necessary to undergo additional examinations? What treatment methods should be used?

In addition, patients may prepare answers to questions that doctors often ask in advance.

When was the last time you had your period? Do you have sex regularly? Birth control or not? Are you facing any stress? Has weight increased or decreased? Do you exercise regularly? Are there any other health problems?

Article by

Published: 03 Oct 2023

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