Secondary amenorrhea

The cessation of menstruation for six months or more in a female that is not pregnant, breastfeeding or menopausal.

Symptoms of Secondary amenorrhea

The following features are indicative of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • no menstrual period for 6 months or longer
  • change in breast size
  • weight gain or loss
  • galactorrhea
  • headache
  • hirsutism
  • vaginal dryness
  • voice changes

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Common Causes of Secondary amenorrhea

The following are the most common causes of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • low levels of the hormone leptin in females
  • stress
  • extreme weight loss
  • excessive exercise
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • premature ovarian failure

Other Causes of Secondary amenorrhea

The following are the less common causes of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • pituitary tumors
  • thyroid dysfunction
  • use of oral contraceptives

Risk Factors for Secondary amenorrhea

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • breastfeeding
  • Asherman syndrome
  • pelvic infections

Prevention of Secondary amenorrhea

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Secondary amenorrhea. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • balanced diet
  • do regular exercise
  • avoid alcohol
  • avoid smoking

Occurrence of Secondary amenorrhea

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Secondary amenorrhea cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Secondary amenorrhea most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 14-35 years

Common Gender

Secondary amenorrhea most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Secondary amenorrhea

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Secondary amenorrhea:
  • Pelvic examination: To inspect the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus problems
  • Thyroid function test: To measure the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in the blood
  • Ovary function test: To measure the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Prolactin test: To measure the level of prolactin hormone
  • Ultrasound: To detect the abnormalities in reproductive organs
  • Head CT scan (Computed tomography): Help to diagnose the diseases that can cause amenorrhea
  • Head MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): Help to diagnosis the diseases that can cause amenorrhea

Complications of Secondary amenorrhea if untreated

Yes, Secondary amenorrhea causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Secondary amenorrhea is left untreated:
  • uterine cancer
  • infertility
  • osteoporosis

Self-care for Secondary amenorrhea

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • Avoid alcohol consumption: Helps to prevent amenorrhea
  • Maintain healthy diet: High intake of milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables and avoiding junk foods may help to prevent amenorrhea
  • Do regular exercise: Helps to reduce stress caused by amenorrhea
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Helps to balance hormone levels

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Secondary amenorrhea

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Secondary amenorrhea:
  • Take nutritional supplements: Vitamin B6 supplements may reduce high prolactin levels and calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K helps to reduce risk of amenorrhoea

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Secondary amenorrhea.

Related Topics

Amenorrhoea

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