Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. It can result from hormonal imbalances that interrupt the menstrual cycle at various points. Causes of primary amenorrhea include hormonal imbalances, psychiatric disorders, eating disorders, malnutrition, rapid weight gain or loss, and certain drugs. Specific causes are polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid issues, pituitary tumors, and premature menopause, which can interfere with the hormonal regulation of menstruation.

1. Amenorrhea
Danielle, Kelsey, Matt, Joe A.
Table 3
Period 3 Anatomy Honors

2. Definition
The absence of menstrual periods.

3. Description
• The absence of menstrual periods is a
symptom, NOT a disease.
• Some female athletes who participate in
rowing, long-distance running and gymnastics
are at a higher risk.

4. Description
• Amenorrhea can result from an interruption at
any of the several points of the cycle.
– Hypothalamus and Pituitary may fail to produce
enough hormones to stimulate the ovaries.
– The ovaries may fail to produce enough Estradiol
to stimulate the growth of the endometrium.

5. Hormonal Activity in a
Normal Menstrual Cycle

6. Causes And Symptoms

7. Primary Amenorrhea

8. Primary Amenorrhea
• Primary Amenorrhea can be the result of:
– Hormonal imbalance
– Psychiatric disorders
– Eating disorders
– Malnutrition
– Rapid weight loss or gain
– Drugs

9. Primary Amenorrhea

10. Causes and Symptoms

11. Primary Amenorrhea

13. • Hormonal imbalance
Many types of medical problems can cause hormonal imbalance,
including:
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes relatively high and
sustained levels of hormones, rather than the fluctuating levels
seen in the normal menstrual cycle.
• Thyroid malfunction. An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or
underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid gland can cause menstrual
irregularities, including amenorrhea.
• Pituitary tumor. A noncancerous (benign) tumor in your pituitary
gland can interfere with the hormonal regulation of menstruation.
• Premature menopause. Menopause usually occurs between ages
45 and 55. In some women, the ovarian supply of eggs diminishes
before age 40, and menstruation stops

14. Causes:
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Menopause
• Anorexia
• Puberty