Amenorrhea
This complex termonlogy literally means no
menstruation (a- no; menorrhea- menstruation).
There are several pathologies and physiologic states that alter
the menstruation cycle and they do so at different stages. This one for one, is
regarded as primary when a female well into her teenage years hasn’t bled yet
i.e menarche. The usual cause is delayed puberty but it may also occur
secondary to anatomical defects in the development of the reproductive system.
Other causes include anorexia nervosa, the
eating disorder that creates bony skeletons out of beautiful girls.
The secondary type is generally cessation of
menstruation. A common physiologic cause is menopause in the 4th to 5th decades
of life. Another such cause is pregnancy.
Cases for concern are underlying ovarian (such as in auto-immune ovarian failure )or
uterine dysfunction and hormone (pituitary or hypothalamic) failure.
Some diseases such as tuberculosis(TB) and
malabsorption disorders are also involved in the etiology of amenorrhea. PCOS-polycystic
ovarian syndrome is another but it has characteristics i.e, Hirsutism
(male-like hair distribution in a female), obesity and long-standing irregular
periods which are specific to it.
As we all know, it isn’t normal for a woman in
their reproductive age to miss a monthly visit from their “Aunt”. If you didn’t
know why it is very important, well now you do.
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