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Amenorhea
Absence of menstruation, i.e. either lack
of menarche or cessation of menses
Amenorrhea can be of three types:
-
Primary amenorrhea
where
menstruation has never happened.
Usually primary amenorrhea implies that menstruation has not
started by the age of 16. However competent diagnosis is called
for as there are a number of diverse causes to consider, including
imperforate hymen, ovarian dysfunction or hormonal imbalance.
-
Secondary amenorrhea
when menstruation stops after at least one period.
This is a common occurrence with causes including pregnancy,
stress, loss or gain of weight, menopause, breast-feeding, anemia,
excessive exercise, stopping contraceptive pill intake, some
drugs, ovarian cysts or tumors etc.
-
Irregular or erratic
menstruation
. There may be 3 or 4 periods in an year,
or 3 close together followed by none for a few months. Causes
are same as secondary amenorrhea.
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