Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age. Regular menstruation relies on the proper functioning of the hypothalamus, which regulates appetite, body temperature, and blood pressure, as well as the pituitary gland, uterus, and ovaries.
Treatment Options
Self-care approaches:
Amenorrhea treatment varies depending on its underlying cause since it’s a symptom rather than a standalone medical condition. Nutritional deficiencies induced by dieting can lead to amenorrhea, so women should aim for a balanced diet. Obesity-related amenorrhea may require weight reduction through dietary adjustments and regular exercise, avoiding excessive vigorous activity exceeding 8 hours.
Hormone replacement therapy:
For women with estrogen deficiency, hormone replacement therapy combining progestin and estrogen may be beneficial. Dopamine agonists like pergolide and bromocriptine are effective in treating hyperprolactinemia, restoring normal endocrine function and ovulation in many cases.
Oral contraceptives:
Prescribed oral contraceptives can help restore the menstrual cycle and provide estrogen replacement for women with amenorrhea who don’t wish to conceive.
Surgery:
Women with genital tract abnormalities or pituitary and hypothalamic tumors causing amenorrhea may require surgical intervention based on their clinical situation. Those with secondary amenorrhea experience it until the underlying condition is treated. Stress-induced amenorrhea resolves once stress is alleviated, except in cases of menopause or hysterectomy.
Overall, amenorrhea is rarely life-threatening, and its symptoms are typically reversible and treatable.