Is amenorrhea a disease?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Amenorrhea is first divided into physiological or pathological. If it is physiological, it generally is not a major issue, but pathological cases must be treated symptomatically. For physiological amenorrhea, such as not menstruating for three months during the breastfeeding period, this is normal. It's mainly influenced by the secretion of prolactin from the ovaries, so it’s possible not to have menstruation during breastfeeding, and this is not a problem. Moreover, some people use medications, such as those used to treat endometriosis, which can cause amenorrhea; this type of amenorrhea is normal, and menstruation usually resumes after stopping the medication. Then there is pathological amenorrhea, typically seen with severe conditions like uterine endometrium or intrauterine adhesions, which can also cause a lack of menstruation. Additionally, ovarian secretory dysfunction, certain endocrine disorders, or premature ovarian failure, can all lead to amenorrhea, requiring related medical examinations and symptomatic treatment in a hospital.

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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Will weight decrease with amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea can lead to weight loss but it can also cause weight gain. The impact on weight varies depending on the cause of amenorrhea. If a woman experiences amenorrhea due to consistent dieting and weight loss, it can lead to a physiological disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, resulting in what is known as psychogenic amenorrhea. This type of amenorrhea usually results in significant weight loss in women. On the other hand, if a woman's amenorrhea is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, it does not lead to weight loss and can even cause significant weight gain. Amenorrhea caused by this condition generally requires treatment with medication and interventions such as exercise before symptoms can improve significantly. Therefore, the treatment for amenorrhea should be based on its specific causes, as different causes can have different effects on weight.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if my period has been absent for three months?

If a woman does not menstruate for three months, medically this is called amenorrhea. If she is relatively young, it is essential to visit a hospital for relevant examinations. Generally, an ultrasound is conducted first to check the thickness of the endometrial lining and to assess if there are any organic diseases affecting the uterus or ovaries. If the endometrium appears thin and there are no organic diseases, further examinations should include tests for six sex hormones, which are indicators of ovarian function. If the results suggest premature ovarian failure or some endocrine disorders, treatment can be tailored according to these findings. Moreover, if the woman has reached menopausal age and indeed has not menstruated for three months, this condition is considered amenorrhea, which might be physiological. Hence, if an older woman experiences amenorrhea, it is likely true menopausal amenorrhea. Additionally, if a woman who normally has regular menstrual cycles does not menstruate for three months, pregnancy cannot be ruled out, and it is crucial to conduct relevant tests for early pregnancy.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Which department should I go to for amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is recommended to consult a gynecologist, as it belongs to gynecological diseases. It is considered physiological for those over the age of fifty-five, and some may experience physiological amenorrhea between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five. If it occurs under the age of forty-five, the cause should be investigated, and relevant examinations should be conducted. Amenorrhea is related to daily excessive mental stress, malnutrition, excessive dieting, smoking, drinking, and mental pressure. If amenorrhea occurs, one should go to the hospital to exclude diseases such as ovarian disorders.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
51sec home-news-image

What are the harms of premature menopause?

The normal age of menopause for women in our country is around 49 years old. If menopause occurs during this period, it's generally not a big issue. However, if menopause occurs prematurely, it typically indicates a decline in ovarian function or early ovarian failure. This can cause disruptions in marital relations for women, and if menopause happens too early, it can lead to premature symptoms of menopause. Symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability can occur, and in severe cases, it may lead to diseases related to blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Therefore, premature menopause does have an impact on health. If these symptoms appear prematurely, it is crucial to go to the hospital for appropriate adjustment and treatment.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to deal with amenorrhea and nausea?

If nausea occurs after menopause, it's important to determine whether the menopause is physiological or pathological. Generally, menopause after the age of 55 is considered physiological, but if it occurs before the age of 55, the cause of the menopause should be considered, such as ovarian diseases. If nausea occurs with menopause, attention should be paid to adjusting the diet, eating more fresh vegetables and fruits, and consuming vitamin- and protein-rich foods. Maintain a pleasant mood, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and avoid fatigue.