Amenorrhea is a reproductive health condition that affects women in which there is an absence of menstrual periods despite the woman being of a reproductive age. Secondary amenorrhea is described as a condition in which women who have been experiencing normal menstrual cycles begin to experience a cessation of menstrual periods for a duration of 6 months or more.

Some of the symptoms or warning signs of secondary amenorrhea include the following:

• An absence of menstrual periods that could stretch up to 6 months or more.
  
  
  

• If an adolescent has experienced one or more menstrual periods naturally and then there is a cessation of periods.
  

Some other symptoms that you would probably notice with secondary amenorrhea include the following:

• Changes in breast size

• Significant changes or fluctuation in weight including both a weight gain or weight loss

• Discharge from the breast

• A sudden or recurrent occurrence of headaches

• A sudden outbreak of acne problems and possible increase in hair growth

• Vaginal dryness

• Changes in your voice

There may also be some serious implications from secondary amenorrhea such as a pituitary tumor , in which case there may also be other symptoms related to the cause like a loss of vision.

Treatment for amenorrhea quite naturally depends on the underlying cause of the condition.


Symptomatic treatments will only suppress or relieve the symptoms, but will not offer a permanent cure. Although a medical expert would be in the best position to make a diagnosis there is also a lot that you can do to manage the condition and attempt to relieve and at times maybe cure it. If the cause for secondary amenorrhea is a hormonal or glandular disorder such as hypothyroidism it would only be possible to cure it with treatment for hypothyroidism and this would require medical intervention. On the other hand if the primary cause is obesity, the condition could be treated quite effectively with proper dieting and healthy weight loss with adequate exercise.

Here are some self care tips that could help deal with secondary amenorrhea, of course depending on the underlying cause.

• Anemia and nutritional deficiencies are often a cause for secondary amenorrhea and these can often be brought on by dieting or dietary inadequacies. In such a scenario it would be best to stick to a balanced diet.

• If obesity is the cause of the condition then it would be wise to cut down on fatty foods and junk foods and instead include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Moderate exercise would also be necessary to promote weight loss.

• Avoid over exercising. Although exercise is essential pushing your body too far can cause imbalances that may affect your menstrual cycle.

• Emotional and mental stress are probably some of the most common causes of secondary amenorrhea as they have a great effect on your hormonal balance and bodily functions. It is essential that you find ways to relax and to cope with and manage stress.