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