When a female of childbearing age does not have any menstruation after reaching the age of 16, she is probably suffering from a type of amenorrhea known as primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a female of childbearing age already experiences menstruation but misses three periods in succession. Another type of amenorrhea called hypoestrogenemic amenorrhea stems from an imbalance of hormones. Amenorrhea can also result when too much prolactin is produced by the female. Prolactin is a hormone needed to produce milk.

Primary Amenorrhea Signs & Symptoms:

-Possible extremely tall stature or a stubby, short physique
-Hirsutism (too much hair growth)
-Acne
-Sight problems
-Abnormal blood pressure
-Headaches

Secondary Amenorrhea Signs & Symptoms:

-Kidney failure
-Liver disease
-Alcoholism
-Severe loss of weight
-Darkening skin
-Goiter
-Unusual thirst
-Vision problems
-Headaches
-Swollen breasts
-Nausea

Estrogen deficiency can bring symptoms of vaginal dryness, depression, mood swings, and hot flashes.

Causes of Amenorrhea

Oftentimes, amenorrhea can arise from general causes such as endocrine disorders, structural abnormalities in the body, or certain genetic defects. Specific causes may include:

-Drug abuse
-Intense exercises (i.e., long-distance running)
-Obesity
-Anorexia nervosa
-Severe loss of weight
-Malnutrition
-Psychological conditions
-Stress
-Cessation of oral contraceptives
-Pregnancy
-Breast feeding
-Menopause, especially around the ages of 40 and 55
-Endometritis or intrauterine infection
-Dysfunctional ovaries
-Too much testosterone in the body
-Hormonal imbalance emanating from the endocrine system
-Absence of a vagina or uterus

Diagnostic Procedures

To diagnose amenorrhea, doctors will perform a physical examination on the patient which may involve an internal pelvic examination. They may also recommend laboratory tests like ultrasound, mucus analysis from the cervix and uterus, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computer assisted tomography), and blood tests.

Treatment Options

The treatment for amenorrhea will depend on the condition’s underlying cause. Some conventional therapies may include drugs, counseling and support, hormone therapy, and surgery.

Drug Therapies

Progesterone – This is given for certain intrauterine disorders and for ovarian cysts.

Estrogen replacement – This is the treatment of choice for cases of amenorrhea caused by menopause, low estrogen levels, hysterectomy, ovarian disorders, or hysterectomy. For amenorrhea patients with an intact uterus, treatment should include estrogen coupled with progestins or progesterone. Hormone or estrogen replacement therapy provides benefits although they also come with certain risks. Hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women can help lower their risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures, but at the same time can increase their risk of blood clotting in the lungs, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer.

Hormones or oral contraceptives can be used to induce menstruation.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

These therapies may aid in the metabolism of hormones while at the same time provide the body with essential nutritional requirements for the production of hormones.

Nutrition and Supplements

Lessen consumption of animal meat and processed foods. Avoid or limit the eating of cruciferous veggies such as kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. Avoid chocolates and coffee. In lieu of them, you can eat organic vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in omega-3 fats (seeds, cold-water fish, and nuts). Besides these, you can also take the following supplements:

Essential fatty acids – borage oil or evening primrose (1 to 1.5 grams once or twice a day)

Vitamin B6 – to lower the amount of prolactin in your body; recommended dosage per day is 200 mg.

Selenium (200 mcg/ day), Zinc (30 mg/ day), vitamin C (250 to 500 mg two times/day), vitamin E (800 IU/ day), and vitamin A (10,000 to 15,000 IU/ day). Vitamin A taken in large doses can cause harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor about the dosage right for you.

Boron (1 to 3 mg/ day), vitamin K (1 mg/ day), vitamin D (200 to 400 IU/ day), magnesium (600 mg/day), and calcium (1 gram/ day).

You may, from time to time, be able to find an oral form of progesterone sold as over-the-counter oral supplement. However, it is very important NOT to take it without the supervision of your doctor.

Herbs

Herbs can be in the form of tinctures (alcohol extracts), glycerites (glycerine extracts) and as dried extracts (teas, capsules, powders). Tinctures should not be used by people with a history of alcoholism.

A lot of herbs can mimic estrogen so if you or a member of your family have a history estrogen-related cancer (such as ovarian, uterine, cervical, or breast cancer), it’s best to avoid them.

Herbs with estrogen-like attributes can be used to overcome many of the symptoms of menopause. They include squaw vine, black cohosh, and licorice. Licorice is contraindicated for people suffering from heart failure or high blood pressure.

Dandelion root and Milk thistle – Help regulate the function of the liver.

Horsetail, oatstraw, bladderwrack, and kelp – All these herbs are loaded with minerals that can help strengthen the thyroid.

Bugleweed – This herb can also help decrease prolactin levels in the body. If you are currently taking thyroid drugs, DO NOT take bugleweed.

Chaste tree – This is helpful in lowering elevated levels of prolactin. Chaste tree can regulate pituitary function which can help lower prolactin levels. However, it needs to taken for 12 to 18 months. If you are undergoing hormone therapy, then take this only under the guidance of your doctor or healthcare provider.

Vervain and lady’s mantle – These herbs help stimulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. If you are taking lady’s mantle, your doctor needs to monitor the health of your liver.

Wild yam – This plant is erroneously believed to be a rich source of progesterone. Wild yam can produce hormone but not progesterone.

Blue cohosh is to be avoided – This is a toxic plant and should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or healthcare provider.

Acupuncture

Several studies have proven that acupuncture helps correct hormonal imbalances that are responsible for amenorrhea, as well as associated conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Some of these studies involved a small group of women suffering from fertility issues (associated with amenorrhea). The studies suggest that acupuncture helps encourage ovulation.

Acupuncturists address amenorrhea conditions based on patterns of deficiencies or excesses involving vital energy known as qi occurring in specific meridians. Acupuncturists think that amenorrhea is usually due to deficiencies in the kidney and liver. The aim of the treatment then is to replenish the qi in these areas.

Massage

One of the most relaxing ways to resolve endocrine malfunctions and relieve stress is therapeutic massage.

Bhakti Acupuncture
7550 France Ave S #220
Edina, MN 55435
Phone: (952) 230-1394
bhaktiacupuncture.com