What is Primary Amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea is when a female has not started having periods by the age of 15 years.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• An abnormal chromosome that causes the ovaries not to work properly (common).
• Malnutrition.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Being born without a vagina, uterus, or ovaries.
• Extreme obesity.
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Drastic weight loss.
• Over-exercising that leads to a loss of body fat.
• Pituitary gland tumor in the brain.
• Long-term illnesses.
• Cushing disease.
• A thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• A part of the brain called the hypothalamus not working normally.
• Premature ovarian failure.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is not having had a period by age 15 years. Other symptoms include:

• Discharge from the breasts.
• Hot flashes.
• Adult acne.
• Facial or chest hair.
• Headaches.
• Impaired vision.
• Recent excessive stress.
• Changes in weight, diet, or exercise patterns.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Tests, such as:
  • Blood tests.
  • Urine tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. For example, an absence of sex organs will require surgery to correct the problem. Others causes may respond when treated with medicine.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly but not excessively.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your body is not developing at the level of your peers.
• You have pelvic pain.
• You gain an unusual amount of weight.
• You have an unusual amount of hair growth.

Summary

• Primary amenorrhea is when a female has not started having periods by the age of 15 years.
• This condition has many causes, including abnormal ovaries, obesity, extreme weight loss.
• Contact a health care provider if your body is not developing at the level of your peers.