Brak miesiączki
Etiologia i przyczyny
Amenorrhea, definiowana jako brak miesiączki, dzieli się na pierwotną (brak pierwszej miesiączki do 15-16 roku życia) oraz wtórną (ustanie miesiączki na ≥3 miesiące u kobiet wcześniej miesiączkujących). Etiologia amenorrhei jest zróżnicowana i obejmuje przyczyny fizjologiczne (ciąża, laktacja, menopauza), zaburzenia hormonalne (PCOS, hiperprolaktynemia, dysfunkcje tarczycy, przedwczesna niewydolność jajników, guzy przysadki), czynniki podwzgórzowe (FHA związana z niską masą ciała, intensywnym wysiłkiem, stresem, niedoborem leptyny), zaburzenia genetyczne (zespół Turnera, zespół niewrażliwości na androgeny, FMR1), anatomiczne (blizny macicy, wrodzony brak narządów rozrodczych, zarośnięcie szyjki macicy) oraz jatrogenne (leki antykoncepcyjne, chemioterapia). PCOS dotyka 6-8% kobiet w wieku rozrodczym, a hiperprolaktynemia odpowiada za 10-25% przypadków wtórnego braku miesiączki. FHA dotyczy około 1,62 miliona kobiet i wiąże się z ryzykiem osteoporozy i chorób sercowo-naczyniowych z powodu hipestrogenizmu.
- Etiologia brak miesiączki (amenorrhea)
- Fizjologiczne przyczyny braku miesiączki
- Zaburzenia hormonalne jako przyczyna braku miesiączki
- Czynnościowy brak miesiączki pochodzenia podwzgórzowego
- Genetyczne i chromosomalne przyczyny braku miesiączki
- Przyczyny strukturalne i anatomiczne
- Brak miesiączki wywołany lekami
- Czynniki stylu życia wpływające na brak miesiączki
- Przewlekłe choroby
- Częstość występowania i rozkład przyczyn braku miesiączki
- Konsekwencje zdrowotne braku miesiączki
Etiologia brak miesiączki (amenorrhea)
Brak miesiączki (amenorrhea) to stan, w którym kobieta nie miesiączkuje. Możemy wyróżnić dwa główne rodzaje tego zaburzenia: pierwotny brak miesiączki (gdy pierwsza miesiączka nie pojawia się do 15-16 roku życia) oraz wtórny brak miesiączki (gdy miesiączka ustaje na 3 miesiące lub dłużej u kobiety, która wcześniej miesiączkowała regularnie)12. Należy podkreślić, że amenorrhea nie jest chorobą samą w sobie, ale objawem innych stanów zdrowotnych lub procesów fizjologicznych3.
Fizjologiczne przyczyny braku miesiączki
Istnieją naturalne przyczyny braku miesiączki, które nie wymagają leczenia, takie jak:4:
- Ciąża – najczęstsza naturalna przyczyna wtórnego braku miesiączki
- Karmienie piersią
- Menopauza
Zaburzenia hormonalne jako przyczyna braku miesiączki
Problemy hormonalne stanowią najczęstszą przyczynę braku miesiączki. Zaburzenia w funkcjonowaniu osi podwzgórze-przysadka-jajniki mogą prowadzić do nieprawidłowości w cyklu menstruacyjnym35. Do głównych zaburzeń hormonalnych powodujących brak miesiączki należą:
Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) – jedna z najbardziej powszechnych przyczyn braku miesiączki, dotykająca 6-8% kobiet w wieku reprodukcyjnym. PCOS charakteryzuje się podwyższonym poziomem androgenów, co prowadzi do zaburzeń owulacji, nieregularnych miesiączek lub całkowitego ich braku67.
Hiperprolaktynemia – podwyższony poziom prolaktyny może hamować wydzielanie hormonu uwalniającego gonadotropinę (GnRH), co prowadzi do zahamowania owulacji i w konsekwencji do braku miesiączki. Hiperprolaktynemia jest odpowiedzialna za około 10-25% przypadków wtórnego braku miesiączki8910.
Zaburzenia czynności tarczycy – zarówno niedoczynność (hipotyreoза), jak i nadczynność tarczycy (hipertyreoза) mogą powodować zaburzenia cyklu miesiączkowego, w tym całkowity brak miesiączki1112.
Przedwczesna niewydolność jajników (POI) – stan, w którym jajniki przestają prawidłowo funkcjonować przed 40. rokiem życia. POI może być idiopatyczna lub wynikać z czynników genetycznych, autoimmunologicznych, po chemioterapii i radioterapii67.
Guzy przysadki mózgowej – zmiany w przysadce mózgowej, zwłaszcza guzy (najczęściej niezłośliwe), mogą wpływać na wydzielanie hormonów regulujących cykl miesiączkowy. U kobiet z hiperprolaktynemią częstość występowania guza przysadki wynosi 50-60%810.
Czynnościowy brak miesiączki pochodzenia podwzgórzowego
Czynnościowy brak miesiączki pochodzenia podwzgórzowego (Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea – FHA) występuje, gdy podwzgórze zwalnia lub przestaje uwalniać hormon uwalniający gonadotropinę (GnRH), który inicjuje cykl miesiączkowy1314. Jest to jedna z najczęstszych przyczyn wtórnego braku miesiączki i dotyka około 1,62 miliona kobiet15.
Główne czynniki prowadzące do FHA to1314:
- Niska masa ciała (poniżej 10-15% oczekiwanej masy ciała)
- Bardzo niska podaż kalorii lub tłuszczów
- Intensywny wysiłek fizyczny, przekraczający ilość spożywanych kalorii
- Stres emocjonalny i psychologiczny
- Niedobór leptyny (hormonu regulującego apetyt i metabolizm)
- Niektóre schorzenia medyczne
FHA może prowadzić do niskiego poziomu estrogenu, co zwiększa ryzyko osteoporozy i chorób serca, a także może wpływać na nastrój, prowadząc do objawów depresji i lęku16.
Genetyczne i chromosomalne przyczyny braku miesiączki
Zaburzenia genetyczne i chromosomalne mogą być przyczyną pierwotnego braku miesiączki17:
- Zespół Turnera – spowodowany częściowym lub całkowitym brakiem chromosomu X, charakteryzujący się nieprawidłowym rozwojem jajników1718
- Zespół niewrażliwości na androgeny – często charakteryzujący się wysokim poziomem testosteronu17
- Niedorozwój narządów płciowych – w rzadkich przypadkach brak lub nieprawidłowa budowa narządów rozrodczych może prowadzić do pierwotnego braku miesiączki4
- FMR1 (Fragile X syndrome) – zmiany w genie na chromosomie X mogą prowadzić do przedwczesnej niewydolności jajników6
Przyczyny strukturalne i anatomiczne
Problemy z narządami rozrodczymi również mogą powodować brak miesiączki19:
- Blizny macicy – mogą powstać po zabiegu łyżeczkowania (D&C), cięciu cesarskim lub leczeniu mięśniaków13
- Brak narządów rozrodczych – wrodzony brak macicy lub pochwy19
- Nieprawidłowa budowa pochwy – może uniemożliwiać odpływ krwi miesiączkowej19
- Zarośnięcie szyjki macicy – blokada w kanale szyjki macicy uniemożliwiająca odpływ krwi miesiączkowej20
Brak miesiączki wywołany lekami
Niektóre leki mogą powodować zatrzymanie miesiączkowania2:
- Środki antykoncepcyjne (pigułki, implanty, wkładki wewnątrzmaciczne)
- Leki przeciwpsychotyczne
- Chemioterapia i radioterapia
- Leki przeciwdepresyjne
- Leki na nadciśnienie
- Leki przeciwalergiczne
Po odstawieniu niektórych środków antykoncepcyjnych, przywrócenie regularnego cyklu menstruacyjnego może zająć kilka miesięcy4.
Czynniki stylu życia wpływające na brak miesiączki
Styl życia może znacząco wpływać na cykl menstruacyjny21:
- Intensywny wysiłek fizyczny – szczególnie u sportowców, tancerzy baletowych, gdzie duży wydatek energetyczny i niska zawartość tkanki tłuszczowej zakłócają cykl menstruacyjny21
- Niska masa ciała – około 10% poniżej normalnej wagi znacząco zwiększa ryzyko braku miesiączki222
- Zaburzenia odżywiania – anoreksja, bulimia i inne zaburzenia odżywiania21
- Stres psychologiczny – silny stres emocjonalny może wpływać na poziom hormonów i powodować zatrzymanie miesiączkowania2221
- Nadwaga i otyłość – nadmierna masa ciała może również zakłócać proces owulacji7
Przewlekłe choroby
Różne schorzenia przewlekłe mogą być przyczyną braku miesiączki12:
- Choroby nerek
- Choroby zapalne jelit
- Cukrzyca
- Choroby wątroby
- Toczeń rumieniowaty układowy
- Mukowiscydoza
- Niedokrwistość sierpowata
Częstość występowania i rozkład przyczyn braku miesiączki
Brak miesiączki nie z powodu ciąży, karmienia piersią czy menopauzy dotyka około 3-4% kobiet5. W przypadku wtórnego braku miesiączki, najczęstsze przyczyny to235:
- Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS)
- Czynnościowy brak miesiączki pochodzenia podwzgórzowego
- Hiperprolaktynemia
- Pierwotna niewydolność jajników
Natomiast w przypadku pierwotnego braku miesiączki, główne przyczyny to24:
- Dysgenezja gonad, w tym zespół Turnera (43%)
- Hiperandrogenizm/PCOS (32,3%)
- Zaburzenia podwzgórzowo-przysadkowe (27%)
- Fizjologiczne opóźnienie dojrzewania (13,7%)
- Pierwotny hipogonadyzm (7,2%)
- Inne przyczyny endokrynologiczne (5,7%)
- Zaburzenia przysadki (3%)
- Przyczyny anatomiczne (1,5%)
Podejście diagnostyczne do braku miesiączki
Diagnostyka braku miesiączki wymaga systematycznego podejścia2526. Etiologię braku miesiączki można podzielić na kategorie:
- Nieprawidłowości dróg wyprowadzających
- Pierwotna niewydolność jajników
- Zaburzenia podwzgórzowo-przysadkowe
- Zaburzenia innych gruczołów endokrynnych
- Następstwa przewlekłych chorób
- Przyczyny fizjologiczne
- Przyczyny jatrogeniczne (wywołane przez leczenie medyczne)
Identyfikacja podstawowej przyczyny braku miesiączki jest kluczowa dla wdrożenia odpowiedniego leczenia i zapobiegania długoterminowym powikłaniom zdrowotnym26.
Konsekwencje zdrowotne braku miesiączki
Nieleczony brak miesiączki może prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji zdrowotnych, zwłaszcza jeśli jest związany z niskim poziomem estrogenu2728:
- Niepłodność – brak owulacji uniemożliwia zajście w ciążę
- Osteoporoza – niski poziom estrogenu prowadzi do osłabienia kości
- Choroby sercowo-naczyniowe – zwiększone ryzyko związane z niskim poziomem estrogenu
- Problemy psychologiczne – stres związany z brakiem miesiączki, zaburzenia hormonalne mogą powodować depresję i lęk
- Rozrost endometrium – bez regularnych miesiączek wyściółka macicy może stać się zbyt gruba z powodu nadmiaru estrogenu, co czasami prowadzi do raka endometrium
Podsumowując, brak miesiączki jest często objawem innych stanów zdrowotnych, a nie chorobą samą w sobie. Dokładna diagnoza i odpowiednie leczenie przyczynowe są kluczowe dla zapobiegania długoterminowym powikłaniom zdrowotnym i poprawy jakości życia pacjentki27.
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1 Amenorrhea: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3924-amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is when you don’t get a menstrual period. There can be different causes depending on if you have primary or secondary amenorrhea. […] Primary amenorrhea occurs when you haven’t had a period by 15 years old. Common causes include chromosomal or genetic problems that affect your reproductive system, such as Turner syndrome. Hormonal issues stemming from problems with your brain or pituitary gland. Structural problem with your organs, such as missing parts of your uterus or vagina or having an underdeveloped reproductive system. […] Secondary amenorrhea is when you miss your period for three or more months after previously having a normal period. Common causes include some birth control methods, such as Depo-Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and certain birth control pills. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Previous uterine surgery with scarring (for example, if you had a dilation and curettage, often called DC). Stress. Poor nutrition. Weight changes extreme weight loss or gain. Extreme exercise routines. Certain medications.
- #2 Amenorrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299
Amenorrhea can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are normal, while others may be a side effect of medication or a sign of a medical problem. […] The most common causes of primary amenorrhea relate to hormone levels, although anatomical problems also can cause amenorrhea. […] Pregnancy is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea, although problems with hormones also can cause secondary amenorrhea. […] Certain medications can cause menstrual periods to stop, including some types of antipsychotics, cancer chemotherapy, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and allergy medications. […] Sometimes lifestyle factors contribute to amenorrhea, for instance: excessively low body weight about 10% under normal weight interrupts many hormonal functions in the body, potentially halting ovulation.
- #3 Amenorrhea > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicinehttps://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/amenorrhea
The absence of monthly menstrual periods, which may be a symptom of other disorders. […] Can be caused by diseases such as PCOS or ovarian failure. […] Amenorrhea is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of other conditions including hormonal, genetic, and structural disorders. […] If some aspect of the hormonal system isn’t working correctly, the result can be amenorrhea. In fact, hormonal issues are the most common reason for it. […] Amenorrhea can happen naturally in a woman’s life, such as when she is pregnant, breastfeeding, or after menopause. Outside of those circumstances, primary or secondary amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of the below factors: […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This syndrome is a collection of symptoms associated with certain hormone imbalances.
- #4 What causes amenorrhea? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes
In rare cases, physical problems such as missing reproductive organs or blockage of reproductive passageways can also lead to primary amenorrhea. Missing portions of the reproductive tract can cause endocrine disruptions and may combine with hypothalamic or pituitary problems to prevent menstruation. Blockages may also prevent menstrual bleeding, making it seem like a girl has primary amenorrhea, even if her menstrual cycles are actually normal. […] Secondary amenorrhea (missing three menstrual periods in a row or not having periods for at least 6 months after menstruating normally) can result from various causes, such as: Pregnancy is the most common natural cause of secondary amenorrhea. Other physiologic causes include breastfeeding and menopause. Certain birth control pills, injectable contraceptives, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause amenorrhea. It can take a few months after stopping one of these types of birth control for the menstrual cycle to restart and become regular. Some medications, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can increase the levels of a hormone that prevents ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for hematologic cancer (including blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes) and breast or gynecologic cancer can destroy estrogen-producing cells and eggs in the ovaries, leading to amenorrhea. The resulting amenorrhea may be short-term, especially in younger women.
- #5 Current evaluation of amenorrhea: a committee opinion (2024) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRMhttps://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/current-evaluation-of-amenorrhea/
Amenorrhea is the absence or abnormal cessation of menses. […] Most of the causes of primary and secondary amenorrhea are similar. […] Most cases of amenorrhea are accounted for by six conditions: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, hypogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and anatomic abnormalities. […] The prevalence of amenorrhea not because of pregnancy, lactation, or menopause is approximately 3%4%. […] Pathologies in any of these components can lead to amenorrhea. […] Hyperprolactinemia may be associated with decreased E2 concentrations and amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea and is one of the more common causes of amenorrhea. […] The presence of breast development means there has been previous estrogen action. […] In women with regular menstrual cycles, a delay of menses for as little as 1 week may require the exclusion of pregnancy.
- #6 What causes amenorrhea? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes
Gynecological conditions, specifically those that lead to or result from hormone imbalances, may also have secondary amenorrhea as a main symptom. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS occurs when a woman’s body produces more androgens (a type of hormone) than normal. High levels of androgens can cause fluid-filled sacs or cysts to grow in the ovaries, interfering with the release of eggs (ovulation). Most women with PCOS either have amenorrhea or experience irregular periods, called oligomenorrhea. Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). The term FXPOI describes a condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before normal menopause, sometimes around age 40. FXPOI results from certain changes to a gene on the X chromosome. FXPOI is fairly common among women who seek treatment for amenorrhea.
- #7 Amenorrhea: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3924-amenorrhea
The following medical conditions may also cause secondary amenorrhea: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), when your ovaries stop working before age 40. Hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition where amenorrhea occurs due to an issue with your hypothalamus. Pituitary disorders, such as a benign pituitary tumor or excessive production of prolactin. Hormonal imbalances as a result of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal disorders or hypothyroidism. Ovarian tumors. Obesity. Ongoing illness or chronic illness (like kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease).
- #8 Amenorrhea > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicinehttps://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/amenorrhea
Hypothalamic amenorrhea: This occurs when the hypothalamus (a gland in the brain that releases hormones and regulates body temperature, among other functions) slows or stops releasing a hormone (gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH) that starts the menstrual cycle. […] Hyperprolactinemia: This condition means you have higher-than-normal levels of the hormone prolactin in your blood, which can cause menstrual irregularities. […] Ovarian failure: Also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, this is the loss of normal function of your ovaries before age 40. […] A variety of factors can lead to secondary amenorrhea: […] Certain methods of birth control, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications work by increasing the level of a hormone that prevents ovulation, thereby preventing menstruation. […] The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism and affect puberty and menstruation. A gland that is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) can cause amenorrhea. […] Tumors on this gland are not usually cancerous, but they can interfere with menstruation.
- #9 Amenorrhea: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/252928-overview
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding. […] In females of reproductive age, diagnosing amenorrhea is a matter of first determining whether pregnancy is the etiology. In the absence of pregnancy, the challenge is to determine the exact cause of absent menses. […] A common cause of amenorrhea is functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. It is characterized by abnormal hypothalamic GnRH secretion, decreased gonadotropin pulsations, low or normal LH concentrations, absent LH surges, abnormal follicular development, and low serum estradiol. […] Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea can be caused by eating disorders, exercise, or high levels of prolonged physical or mental stress. […] Hyperprolactinemia is associated with suppression of the GnRH from the hypothalamus and subsequent inhibition of LH and FSH, suppressed gonadal function and galactorrhea.
- #10 Current evaluation of amenorrhea: a committee opinion (2024) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRMhttps://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/current-evaluation-of-amenorrhea/
Secondary amenorrhea, defined as the absence of menses for 3 months in girls or women who previously had regular menstrual cycles or 6 months in girls or women who had irregular menses, requires investigation. […] Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may result in chronic anovulation and amenorrhea. […] In women with hyperprolactinemia, the prevalence of a pituitary tumor is 50%60%. […] The likelihood of a pituitary tumor is unrelated to the level of prolactin. […] Lack of gonadal function is marked by high FSH levels. […] Gonadal failure can occur at any age, even in utero, when it is usually the result of gonadal agenesis or dysgenesis. […] When hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is identified in an individual with primary amenorrhea, constitutional delay of puberty is a consideration but is a diagnosis of exclusion.
- #11 What causes amenorrhea? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes
Thyroid problems. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that control metabolism and play a role in puberty and menstruation. A thyroid gland that is overactive (called hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) can cause menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea. […] Pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland in the brain regulates the production of hormones that affect many body functions, including metabolism and the reproductive cycle. Tumors on the pituitary gland are usually noncancerous (benign) but can interfere with the body’s hormonal regulation of menstruation.
- #12 Amenorrhea: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Management | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0701/p39.html
Most cases of primary ovarian insufficiency are idiopathic; however, irradiation, chemotherapy, infections, tumors, autoimmune processes, and chromosomal irregularities can also cause primary ovarian insufficiency. […] Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a disorder of chronic anovulation caused by suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis from body weight loss, excessive exercise, or stress and may result in infertility or bone density loss. […] Amenorrhea may be caused by hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage through inflammation, ischemia, infiltration, infection, or trauma. […] Hypo- and hyperthyroidism may cause amenorrhea. […] Patients with chronic disease may experience amenorrhea; however, these conditions are often recognized by individual signs and symptoms.
- #13 What causes amenorrhea? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes
Sometimes scar tissue can build up in the lining of the uterus, preventing the normal shedding of the uterine lining in the menstrual cycle. This scarring sometimes occurs after a dilation and curettage (DC), a procedure in which tissue is removed from the uterus to diagnose or treat heavy bleeding or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage, a cesarean section, or treatment for uterine fibroids. […] Hypothalamic amenorrhea. This condition occurs when the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that regulates body processes, slows or stops releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the hormone that starts the menstrual cycle. Common characteristics of women with hypothalamic amenorrhea include: Low body weight, Low percentage of body fat, Very low intake of calories or fat, Emotional stress, Strenuous exercise that burns more calories than are taken in through food, Deficiency of leptin, a protein hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism, Some medical conditions or illnesses.
- #14 Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24431-hypothalamic-amenorrhea
Hypothalamic amenorrhea is when your hypothalamus causes your period to stop. Common causes include excessive exercise, stress and undereating. […] Your hormones become unbalanced when your hypothalamus stops producing GnRH. This leads to irregular or absent periods. […] Reasons your hypothalamus may stop secreting hormones include: Not eating enough food or restricting food. Poor nutrition. Excessive exercise. Emotional or psychological stress. Low body fat. Having an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. […] Often, its a combination of all of these factors that lead to FHA (like exercising too much and not eating enough calories). This puts your hypothalamus in survival mode, putting certain bodily processes and functions on hold so it can focus on the most important ones (like breathing).
- #15 Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatmenthttps://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/absence-periods
Hypothalamic amenorrhea, or functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), happens when your period stops because of problems with your hypothalamus. […] About 1.62 million women and people assigned female at birth get hypothalamic amenorrhea. It causes 20%-35% of cases where periods stop in people aged 18-44. […] There are a few common reasons your hypothalamus might stop working as it should: Exercising a lot. Intense or frequent workouts can throw off your hormones. […] Stress. Mental stress can affect brain signals that trigger hormones. […] Not eating enough. Your body needs fuel to support a possible pregnancy. […] Disordered eating. Conditions such as anorexia or binge eating can affect your period. […] Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. This tiny gland in your neck plays a big role in controlling hormones that affect many body processes, such as your metabolism, heart rate, and menstrual cycle.
- #16 Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24431-hypothalamic-amenorrhea
When it comes to your menstrual cycle, GnRH is responsible for triggering your body to create FSH and LH. These two hormones cause your ovary to release an egg (ovulation) during each menstrual cycle. Without sufficient levels of FSH and LH, ovulation and menstruation stop. […] Hypothalamic amenorrhea can lead to low estrogen levels. Estrogen is an important hormone in your body. One function of estrogen is to maintain healthy, strong bones. Without estrogen, females are at risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Estrogen also helps with your mood. Lack of estrogen may lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- #17 What causes amenorrhea? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developmenthttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes
Amenorrhea is often a sign of another health problem rather than a disease itself, and it can happen for many reasons. It can occur as a natural part of life, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also be a sign of a health problem, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Because amenorrhea is associated with health conditions that are also linked to infertility, understanding amenorrhea is an important part of NICHD’s research on infertility and fertility. […] Primary amenorrhea (failure of menses to occur by age 16) can result from two main causes: Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities can cause the ovaries to stop functioning normally. Turner syndrome, a condition caused by a partially or completely missing X chromosome, and androgen insensitivity syndrome, often characterized by high levels of testosterone, are two examples of genetic abnormalities that can delay or disrupt menstruation. Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain can cause an imbalance of hormones that can prevent periods from starting. Conditions such as eating disorders, excessive exercise, and extreme physical or psychological stress or a combination of these factors can also disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, delaying the onset of menstruation.
- #18 Amenorrhoea & Oligomenorrhoea – Causes – Investigations – TeachMeObGynhttps://teachmeobgyn.com/gynaecology/menstrual/oligomenorrhoea/
Turners syndrome (45 X0) a genetic condition that causes amenorrhoea, failure to develop secondary sexual characteristics and almost universal infertility. […] Premature ovarian failure is defined as primary ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40 associated with menopausal symptoms such as hot sweats or night sweats. […] Disease of the adrenal gland can affect ovulation. Late onset/mild congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an autosomal recessive inherited condition which is caused by partial deficiency of 21 hydroxylase. […] Any obstruction to the normal menses flow causes concealed bleeding and pain. […] There is considerable overlap between oligomenorrhoea and secondary amenorrhoea. […] Common causes include: PCOS, Contraceptive/Hormonal treatments, Perimenopause, Thyroid disease/Diabetes, Eating disorders/excessive exercise, Medications e.g. anti-psychotics, anti-epileptics.
- #19 Amenorrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299
Many types of medical problems can cause hormonal imbalance, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid malfunction, pituitary tumor, and premature menopause. […] Problems with the sexual organs themselves also can cause amenorrhea. Examples include uterine scarring, lack of reproductive organs, and structural abnormality of the vagina.
- #20https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/amenorrhoea-absence-of-menstruation
Genetic problems can be a rare cause of amenorrhoea e.g. Turner syndrome which is when the child only has one copy of the X chromosome. […] Cervical stenosis, a blockage that occurs in the cervical canal, when the menses cannot flow out of the uterine cavity, may result in amenorrhoea. This can be caused by surgery. […] Any chronic health problems may influence the menstrual cycle and cause amenorrhoea, e.g. diabetes, renal failure, thyroid disease, liver disease. […] Hormone replacement therapy is normally advised either in the form of the combined oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis in the long term, which has significant morbidity and mortality compared to the risks of treatment.
- #21 Amenorrhea – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment | MedPark Hospitalhttps://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/amenorrhea
Lifestyle factors such as excessive exercise, high energy expenditure, low body fat, being underweight or 10% less than regular weight, common in athletes or ballet dancers, and eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa can disrupt menstrual cycle. Psychological stress can impact hormone levels and menstruation. […] Hormonal imbalance from health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that always keeps your hormone levels high, abnormal thyroid hormone secretions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism causing menstrual irregularities, pituitary tumors, and premature menopause. […] Structural problems of reproductive organs. […] Stress, excessive intense exercise, being overweight or underweight, nutritional imbalances, eating disorders, chronic illness, family history of early menopause or amenorrhea, or genetic health conditions that affect the female reproductive system.
- #22 Amenorrhea: Types, causes, and treatmenthttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215776
When BMI falls below 19, the risk of developing secondary amenorrhea increases significantly. […] Serious weight loss can result from a physical illness or an eating disorder. […] Stringent exercise can cause secondary amenorrhea. […] Severe emotional upheaval or extreme stress can also cause a woman’s periods to stop. […] Some medications, such as progesterone-only contraceptives and a number of psychiatric drugs may cause periods to stop. […] Amenorrhea can also result from a long-term illness, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, thalamic pituitary problems. […] Pituitary problems or an underactive thyroid can lead to a hormone imbalance, and this can result in menstrual problems.
- #23 Amenorrhea: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0601/p781.html
Most pathologic cases of secondary amenorrhea can be attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, or primary ovarian insufficiency. […] Primary ovarian insufficiency, a condition characterized by follicle depletion or dysfunction leading to a continuum of impaired ovarian function, is suggested by a concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone in the menopausal range (per reference laboratory), confirmed on two occasions separated by one month, and diagnosed in patients younger than 40 years with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. […] More than 90% of cases unrelated to a syndrome are idiopathic, but they can be attributed to radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, infection, tumor, empty sella syndrome, or an autoimmune or infiltrative process. […] There is evidence of genetic predisposition to primary ovarian insufficiency, and patients without evidence of a syndrome should be tested for FMR1 gene premutation (confers risk of fragile X syndrome in their offspring) and thyroid and adrenal autoantibodies.
- #24 Causes of primary amenorrhea – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-primary-amenorrhea
Causes of primary amenorrhea […] Primary amenorrhea is usually the result of a genetic or anatomical abnormality. However, all causes of secondary amenorrhea can also present as primary amenorrhea. In a large case series of primary amenorrhea, the most common etiologies were: […] ⢠Gonadal dysgenesis, including Turner syndrome â 43 percent […] […] Amenorrhea (absence of menses) can be a transient, intermittent, or permanent condition resulting from dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, uterus, or vagina. It is often classified as either primary (absence of menarche by age 15 years) or secondary (absence of menses for more than three cycle intervals or six months in females who were previously menstruating). Primary amenorrhea should prompt a thorough evaluation to identify the cause.
- #25 Amenorrhea: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0601/p781.html
Although amenorrhea may result from a number of different conditions, a systematic evaluation including a detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory assessment of selected serum hormone levels can usually identify the underlying cause. […] Primary amenorrhea, which by definition is failure to reach menarche, is often the result of chromosomal irregularities leading to primary ovarian insufficiency (e.g., Turner syndrome) or anatomic abnormalities (e.g., Mllerian agenesis). […] Most cases of secondary amenorrhea can be attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, or primary ovarian insufficiency. […] Many underlying conditions can lead to amenorrhea. […] Primary amenorrhea is often, but not exclusively, the result of chromosomal irregularities that lead to primary ovarian insufficiency (e.g., Turner syndrome) or anatomic abnormalities (e.g., Mllerian agenesis).
- #26 Amenorrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369304
Amenorrhea can be a sign of a complex set of hormonal problems. Finding the underlying cause can take time and may require more than one kind of testing. […] Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your amenorrhea. In some cases, birth control pills or other hormone therapies can restart your menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea caused by thyroid or pituitary disorders may be treated with medications. If a tumor or structural blockage is causing the problem, surgery may be necessary. […] Some lifestyle factors such as too much exercise or too little food can cause amenorrhea, so strive for balance in work, recreation and rest.
- #27 Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatmenthttps://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/absence-periods
Other factors that raise your risk of amenorrhea include: Intense physical activity, especially if youre training for sports, Problems maintaining a healthy weight (underweight or obesity), Trouble with stress management, History of disordered eating (anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder). […] Treatment for amenorrhea will focus on the condition that causes it. Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills can help start your menstrual cycle again. […] If things such as stress, weight gain or loss, or depression are affecting your menstrual cycle, you can take an active role in your treatment by taking steps to manage it. […] You may not have any problems from a few missed periods. But untreated amenorrhea can sometimes lead to more serious health issues. […] If you dont ovulate (release eggs), its harder to get pregnant.
- #28 Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatmenthttps://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/absence-periods
Missed periods can lower estrogen, which weakens bones. […] Your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar may go up if you have amenorrhea due to low estrogen. This makes heart disease more likely. […] Stress about missing periods is common. Hormonal imbalances can also cause mood and thinking problems, like depression and anxiety. […] Without regular periods, the uterine lining can become too thick due to excess estrogen. This condition, called endometrial hyperplasia, can sometimes lead to uterine cancer.