Amenorrhea

What is it?

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. Primary amenorrhea refers to a situation where a female has not begun menstruating by age 15, while secondary amenorrhea refers to the cessation of periods for three months or more in someone who has previously had regular cycles.

What are the symptoms?

Lack of menstrual periods
Difficulty conceiving (in cases of secondary amenorrhea)
Headaches or dizziness
Hot flashes or night sweats (in cases of menopause-related amenorrhea)
Changes in skin, hair, or weight

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Pregnancy
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
Premature ovarian failure
Stress or excessive exercise

What are the aggravating factors?

Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, PCOS)
Excessive exercise or low body weight
High levels of stress
Eating disorders or malnutrition
Pregnancy and breastfeeding

What types of food are helpful?

Balanced diet: Ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, and healthy fats to support hormone production and maintain menstrual cycles.
Vitamin D: Important for reproductive health and bone health.
Iron-rich foods: Leafy greens, beans, and lean meats to replenish iron stores, especially if periods have been absent for some time.

Sample Recipe: Iron-Rich Lentil Soup

Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, spinach.
Directions: Cook lentils with carrots, onions, garlic, and broth until soft, then add spinach and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

What are the traditional treatments?

Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills or other hormone treatments may be used to regulate menstrual cycles.
Lifestyle changes: Addressing stress, weight management, and exercise habits.
Clomiphene citrate: A medication used to induce ovulation in cases where amenorrhea is affecting fertility.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Herbal remedies: Vitex (chaste tree) and red clover are sometimes used to regulate menstrual cycles and balance hormones.
Acupuncture: Has been shown to help with hormonal balance and may promote regular periods in some women.
Lifestyle interventions: Reducing stress through yoga, meditation, and physical activity can sometimes help regulate menstruation.