Amenorrhea: Symptoms & Signs

Amenorrhea is the medical term that refers to the absence of menstrual periods in a woman of reproductive age. Amenorrhea may be primary (in which case a woman never develops menstrual periods) or secondary, in which periods begin normally but then stop.

Signs and symptoms associated with amenorrhea vary according to the cause. Therefore, there are no specific signs or symptoms that every woman with amenorrhea will experience. Possible associated symptoms and signs can include

• milky nipple discharge,
• hair loss,
• headache,
• vision changes,
• excess facial hair,
• pelvic pain, or
• acne.

Causes of amenorrhea

Amenorrhea has many causes. Genetic conditions and disorders of the ovaries, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus are among the causes of primary amenorrhea. Other possible causes of secondary amenorrhea include intensive exercising, extreme weight loss, physical illness, and stress.

Other amenorrhea symptoms and signs

• Acne
• Excess Facial Hair
• Hair Loss
• Headache
• Milky Nipple Discharge
• Pelvic Pain
• Vision Changes

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain? See Slideshow