Common Causes of Amenorrhea

Regular menstrual periods marks the reproductive cycle of a woman. The absence of menstruation signifies that something is wrong with the normal function of the reproductive system. However, it is normal for a woman to cease  menstruating during pregnancy and breast feeding. It is necessary to ascertain the cause of Amenorrhea or absence of menstruation for proper treatment.

Nutrition- The commonest cause of Amenorrhea in young women is inadequate nutrition. Women keen to become thin lose out on important dietary components like saturated fat and important protein this causes havoc with regularity of menstrual cycles. Paradoxically, women who are obese may suffer from the same problem too. Most of them obtain their entire calorie intake from high-fiber carbohydrates only.

Exercise- Women athletes and performers try to go without food in order to avoid weight gain. Inadequate nutrition coupled with intense physical exercise can lower the amount of body fat substantially leading to Amenorrhea and bone loss. Ballet dancers are often fall victim to Amenorrhea. Woman athletes specializing in track and field events also frequently suffer from irregular menstruation. Almost 81% of woman body builders do not menstruate at all.

Addiction- Stress related factors as well as excessive smoking and drinking may be attributed to Amenorrhea. However, giving up the addiction or learning to relax do not necessarily cure the condition.

Diseases- Amenorrhea mimics almost all the symptoms of menopause and causes bone loss. This loss cannot be overcome easily by taking calcium or vitamin D supplements. Amenorrhea can also be found in patients suffering from fatal conditions of the hypothalamus, ovaries or the pituitary gland. It is, therefore, mandatory for any woman to consult a doctor once she continues to miss her menstrual periods consecutively for 2 months or more. While patients of Amenorrhea cannot get pregnant, doctors often prescribe oral contraceptives to prevent bone loss.