Amenorrhoea

Absence of menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age is called amenorrhoea. Generally, physiological states of amenorrhoea are witnessed during pregnancy and lactation (breast feeding).

Women undergoing significant weight loss, dieting, or performing considerable amounts of exercise on a regular basis are at risk of developing hypothalamic (or 'athletic') amenorrhoea. Another serious risk is the severe bone loss sometimes resulting in osteoporosis and osteopenia. Also, certain medications, particularly contraceptive medications, can induce amenorrhoea in a healthy woman.

Sunshine’s treatment varies based on the underlying condition. Key issues are problems of surgical correction, if appropriate, and oestrogen therapy if oestrogen levels are low.