Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation and can be subdivided into two types: primary and secondary. When a girl reaches the age of 16 and has not begun menstruating, she may have primary amenorrhea. When a menstruating woman suddenly misses a minimum of three periods in a row, she is considered to have secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea is more common than primary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a sign of another condition, and not considered a disease. Usually the underlying condition is not serious. There are many possible causes of amenorrhea which are listed below. It is important to have a complete evaluation with your healthcare provider to understand what may be the underlying cause.
Primary Amenorrhea•Absence of reproductive organs (such as uterus, cervix, or vagina)Secondary Amenorrhea
•Problems with the pituitary gland
•Anorexia
•Stress
•Too much exercise
•Chromosomal abnormalities•Pregnancy or breastfeeding
•Certain kinds of birth control
•Certain kinds of medication (such as corticosteroids)
•Hormone imbalance
•Low body weight
•Too much exercise
•Thyroid disorders
•Pituitary tumor
•Stress
•Premature menopause (before the age of 40)
According to the philosophy of Traditional Chinese medicine, amenorrhea is also the symptom of an underlying cause. It is the job of the acupuncturist to ascertain what that cause is. Some causes may include: a) Hereditary Weakness; b) Excessive Physical or Mental Work; c) Poor Diet; and d) Chronic Illness. Acupuncture and herbal medicine attempt to restore normal menstruation by strengthening the systems of the body, regulating hormones and increasing circulation to the pelvic floor.
