Anatomic and genetic condition of females-Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is refers to as the absence of menstrual periods; it may be either primary or secondary.

• Primary: A woman never developed menstrual periods
•  Secondary: Absence of menstrual periods in a woman who was previously menstruating.

Primary amenorrhea: It is typically the result of a anatomic or genetic condition in young females that never develop menstrual periods (by age 16) and is not pregnant. Diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus can also cause primary amenorrhea since these areas plays an important role in the regulation of ovarian hormones.

Secondary amenorrhea: Pregnancy is an obvious cause of amenorrhea and is the most common reason for secondary amenorrhea. Further causes are varied and may include conditions that affect the uterus, ovaries, and hypothalamus.

Post-pill amenorrhea: Women who have stopped taking oral contraceptive pills experiences the return of menstruation within three months after discontinuing pill use.

Causes:

• Hymen that has no opening
• Blockages or narrowing of the cervix
• The ovaries are not working correctly
• Vaginal septum
• Other birth defects
• Poor nutrition
• Tumors

Symptoms: No menstrual flow, signs of puberty.

Diagnosis:

• Blood tests: LH, Prolactin, TSH, T3 and T4, Estradiol
• Chromosome analysis, FSH, 17 hydroxyprogesterone
• Serum testosterone levels, Pelvic ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the missing period.

Amenorrhea, normal growth, menstruation