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[back to "A" main page] A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Primary amenorrhea is the absence of the menstrual period by the age of 16. Treatment of amenorrhea may range from hormonal supplementation for developmental abnormalities of the reproductive system to surgery for tumors of the pituitary. Secondary amenorrhea is when a woman who has had normal menstrual cycles stops getting her monthly period. Most girls begin menstruating between ages 9 and 18, with an average around 12 years old. Primary amenorrhea is not considered to have occurred until a girl is beyond age 16, if she has undergone other normal changes that occur during puberty. Primary amenorrhea may occur with or without other signs of puberty. COMMON CAUSES OF PRIMARY AMENORRHEA:
COMMON CAUSES OF SECONDARY AMENORRHEA:
OTHER CAUSES OF AMENORRHEA: Amenorrhea can be caused by any number of changes in the organs, glands, and hormones involved in menstruation.
SIGNS AND TESTS
TREATMENT Treatment depends on the cause of the amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea caused by developmental abnormalities (which may result when the parts of the female reproductive system did not form properly before birth) may require hormonal supplementation, surgery, or both. Pituitary tumors, located in the brain, are usually treated with bromocriptine, a drug that inhibits the abnormally high prolactin secretion caused by these tumors. Surgical removal may also be necessary. Radiation therapy is usually reserved for situations in which other medical or surgical treatment regimens are not successful. In any case, support and counseling for the patient and family is necessary. This will address specific concerns and provide guidance regarding anticipated sexual development. For women who do not have other reproductive abnormalities, work up for amenorrhea is delayed until after age 16. If the condition is caused by systemic disease, treatment of the disease may allow menstruation to begin. THE PROGNOSIS DEPENDS: The prognosis is good, depending on the cause of amenorrhea. If amenorrhea is caused by one of the following conditions, there is a fairly good possibility of correcting the amenorrhea through lifestyle change, medication or surgery:
If the amenorrhea is caused by one of the following conditions, it is unlikely that the amenorrhea can be corrected by any method:
COMPLICATIONS Emotional distress or crisis about being different from other menstruating females. CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IF:
TO PREVENT SECONDARY AMENORRHEA:
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