Causes Of Amenorrhea

Primary Amenorrhea

According to statistics, primary amenorrhea occurs in less than 1 percent of adolescent girls in the U. S. Common causes of primary amenorrhea include:

Chromosomal abnormalities can cause premature decrease of the eggs in ovaries and follicles, which play a part in ovulation and menstruation.
Hypothalamus disorder or functional hypothalamic amenorrhea maybe another cause. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain. Among other things, it controls hormones responsible for regulating menstrual cycle. Normal function of the hypothalamus can be disrupted by excessive exercise, eating disorders, physical and even psychological stress. This can lead to the onset of amenorrhea. Though it is rare, a tumor can prevent normal hypothalamus functioning as well.
Pituitary disease or a tumor can also hamper normal pituitary gland function. The pituitary gland is yet another part of the brain that plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Lack of reproductive organs can occur during fetal development. This can lead to a female child being born without some major part of her reproductive system (i.e. uterus, cervix or vagina). Without a properly developed reproductive system, menstrual cycles would not be possible.
Structural abnormality of the vagina or a membrane wall that obstructs the vagina could prevent visible signs of menstrual bleeding. A membrane wall such as this may block the flow of blood out from the uterus and the cervix.

Secondary Amenorrhea

The more common for of amenorrhea is secondary amenorrhea. Possible causes include:

Pregnancy – the most common of all causes. If a female is of reproductive age this will most likely be the cause. When a fertilized egg is implanted into a woman's uterus lining, the lining remains to nourish the growing fetus and is not shed through menstruation.

Contraceptives - birth control pills can prevent periods. If a woman using contraceptives suddenly stops, it may be 3 to 6 months before she resumes normal ovulation and menstruation. Injected or implanted contraceptives (i.e. Depo-Provera or Implanon), can also cause amenorrhea. Progesterone-containing intrauterine devices (i.e. Mirena) can also prevent periods.
Thyroid malfunction - a common cause of menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea. In particular, an underactive thyroid gland known as hypothyroidism can be responsible for this. Thyroid malfunction can also be responsible for an increase or depletion prolactin production. Prolactin is a reproductive hormone generated by your pituitary gland. If the prolactin level is altered, it may have an affect on the hypothalamus and subsequently disturb the menstrual cycle.
Breast-feeding - mothers experience amenorrhea as well. Even when ovulation still occurs, menstruation may not. As a result, pregnancy can occur due to lack of menstruation.
Stress - Mental stress can temporarily interrupt normal hypothalamus function. Remember, the hypothalamus is a part of the brain that controls hormones responsible for regulating menstrual cycle. As a result, ovulation and menstruation may cease. Once the mental stress subsides. normal menstrual periods should resume.
Medication - Anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, some forms of chemotherapy drugs and oral corticosteroids may cause incidents of amenorrhea.
Hormonal imbalance - Another common cause of secondary amenorrhea is polycystic ovary syndrome abbreviated PCOS. In this condition, a woman experiences particularly high-sustained levels of estrogen and androgen (a male hormone). During normal menstrual cycles, these levels should not be sustained but should fluctuate. This result is a reduction in pituitary gland hormones needed for ovulation and menstruation. Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is associated with obesity, abnormal and heavy uterine bleeding, acne and occasionally excessive facial hair.
Low body weight - Low body weight interrupts many hormonal functions in your body, and can possibly halt ovulation. Women who suffer from anorexia or bulimia may stop menstruating due to these hormonal changes.
Excessive exercise - Women who under go rigorous athletic training, such as long-distance running, gymnastics or even ballet, may experience interruption in their menstrual cycle. This may be due to a combination of factors such as low body fat, high-energy expenditure and stress.
Pituitary tumor - A benign or non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland may cause an excess in prolactin production. Higher than normal levels of prolactin can disrupt normal menstruation. This tumor in the pituitary gland can be treated with medication. Only seldom will surgery be necessary.
Uterine scarring - also referred to as Asherman's syndrome. This is a condition where scar tissue builds up inside the lining of the uterus. This can occur after uterine procedures, such as a dilation and curettage, a C- section or cesarean, or treatment for any uterine fibroids. Uterine scarring prevents buildup and shedding of the uterine lining through menstruation. As a result, there may be very light menstrual bleeding or even no menstruation at all.
Premature Menopause - generally occurs between the ages if 45 and 55. In some women, it could be as early as age 40. When it happens this early, it is know as primary ovarian insufficiency. In this condition, there is a lack of ovarian function. This reduces the amount of estrogen circulating in the body. As a result, the uterine lining thins and stops menstrual periods. Primary ovarian insufficiency may be a result of an autoimmune disease or certain genetic factors.

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