Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation or one or more missed period cycles. When you miss three consecutive periods in a row, you may be diagnosed with Amenorrhea. Also, the young girls who haven’t started their period, maximum by the age of 15, are said to have amenorrhea. Of course, one of the most common reasons for amenorrhea or the absence of menstruation is pregnancy. But, the other causes are problems in the reproductive organs or a defect in the glands that stabilize the hormone levels. When the underlying conditions are treated, it can cure amenorrhea.
Symptoms
Apart from the absence of periods, you may also experience;
- Milky nipple discharge
- Hair loss
- A headache
- Changes in vision
- Excess facial hair
- Pelvic pain
- Acne
Causes
There are several natural causes of amenorrhea, but some medications can also do the same.
Natural Causes
During your life, you may experience the natural causes of the absence of menstruation, such as pregnancy problems, breastfeeding, and menopause.
READ: Menopause: What it is, Age, Signs, Causes & Complications
Contraception
For some women, who depend on contraceptive pills, their menstruation cycle may stop. However, after discarding the medicines, it may take time for regular ovulation and menstruation to return back to normal. Contraceptives that are injected or implanted can also lead to the absence of periods, even the intrauterine device.
Medications
A few drugs can interfere with the regular menstrual cycle. They are; Antipsychotics, cancer chemotherapy, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and allergy medicines.
Lifestyle factors
A few lifestyle choices can also have repercussions and cause amenorrhea. They are;
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Low Body Weight
If your body weight is exceedingly low, it can interfere with the normal hormonal functions, which can halt the ovulation. It is especially seen in women who suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. Therefore, the period stops because of abnormal hormonal changes.
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Too much Exercise
Being healthy is a good thing, exercising regularly is even better. But, women who undergo religious training for activities, such as ballet, may notice that their period cycle gets interrupted. This can be because of the high energy expenditure, the stress, the heavy-duty exercise or even the low body fat.
