Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstrual cycles. In amenorrheic women, the levels of female reproductive hormones are not sufficient to stimulate menstruation.
Symptoms
Absent Periods
Increased facial hair
Deeper voice
Decreased breast size/Secretions from the breast
Causes
Malnutrition the condition is sometimes associated with malnutrition, such as that which occurs in anorexia nervosa
Extreme exercise may be the cause as it puts excessive nutritional and other demands on the body.
Stress is an association between stress and amenorrhoea has been demonstrated.
Supplements that may help
Calcium and Vitamin D for bone health
Acetyl- L- Carnitine may help restore menstruation
Vitamin BS anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin B6 may help to restore menstruation and normalising hormone levels
Recommended lifestyle changes
Get enough nutrients Eat more food or choose a high-calorie supplement if you are underweight, have low body fat, or are an athlete
Look after your bones increase intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Balance hormone function by avoiding intense or excessive exercise
Some things to consider
Amenorrhoea should be treated by a doctor, it may result from potentially serious disorders of the ovaries, the hypothalamus, or the pituitary gland.
Prolonged amenorrhoea can result in early bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. Amenorrhoea occurs naturally in women who are breastfeeding, but in these circumstances, it does not put the bones at risk.
