What causes amenorrhea?

What causes amenorrhea?

The different types of amenorrhea have different causes.

Common causes of primary amenorrhea include:

• Chromosomal or genetic problem with the ovaries (the female sex organs that hold the eggs).
• Hormonal issues stemming from problems with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland.
• Structural problem with the reproductive organs, such as missing parts of the reproductive system.

Common causes of secondary amenorrhea include:

• Pregnancy (which is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea).
• Breastfeeding.
• Menopause.
• Some birth control methods, such as Depo Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and certain birth control pills.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Previous uterine surgery with subsequent scarring (for example, if you had a dilation and curettage, often called D&C).

Other causes of secondary amenorrhea can include:

• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Weight changes — extreme weight loss or obesity.
• Exercising associated with low weight.
• Ongoing illness or chronic illness.

You may also have conditions that can cause secondary amenorrhea:

• Primary ovarian insufficiency, when you experience menopause before age 40.
• Hypothalamus disorders, such as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) — which is also called hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). FHA is a condition where amenorrhea is associated with stress or weight loss, but isn’t clearly caused by an organic issue with a woman’s body.
• Pituitary disorders, such as a benign pituitary tumor or excessive production of prolactin.
• Other hormonal problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal disorders or hypothyroidism.
• Ovarian tumors.
• Surgery to remove uterus or ovaries.