Amenorrhea - Causes of Female Infertility

This is the name given to an absence of menstrual periods which can cause fertility problems. There are two types of amenorrhea:

• Primary
• Secondary

Primary amenorrhea occurs in young women who have reached the age of 16 without starting menstruation. This is usually the result of a hormone problem or low body fat levels which fail to trigger the release of oestrogen.

Secondary amenorrhea occurs when a woman who has had normal periods up until now experiences an absence of her periods for more than 3 months. This can be caused by a drop in hormonal levels, low levels of body fat (as a result of excessive exercise) or a problem with her reproductive system.

Amenorrhea can also be a factor in polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS), anovulation and fibroids.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oral contraceptives and diet/nutrition advice.

Female Infertility Guide Index:

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• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Hostile cervical mucus
• Tubal blockage
• Anovulation
• Obesity
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Amenorrhea
• Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APA)
• Hypothyroidism
• Age and egg quality
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Contraception
• Prescription medicines

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