The lack of menstrual period in any woman who has reached the reproductive age is called Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). A woman does not have menstruation cycle during childhood and after menopause; but if a woman is not menstruating even though she has reached the age of 16 years which is considered to be the maximum limit for a woman to start menstruating then she is said to be having a very serious condition.

There are two types of Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation): primary and secondary. Primary one occurs when the menstruation cycle never begins in a girl. Normally the menstruation age is said to vary from 8 years to 16 years; while the average age of menstruation is 12. But even after 16 years if a girl is not menstruating then it’s dangerous. The causes can be manifold such as inability of the ovary to preserve eggs, nonexistence of uterus or delay in attaining puberty.

Secondary Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) occurs when a woman who was earlier having regular periods but is not having periods anymore for continuously three months or when a woman who had a history of irregular periods but did not have periods for the last 6 months. Hormonal problems or untimely menopause can be the cause for this condition.
Those involved in sports like cycling, swimming, rowing and other related activities face the risk of this disease. Also those who have the habit of experiencing too much medication especially those women who take contraceptive pills are vulnerable to this condition.

A woman won’t be able to conceive till she is free from Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation); she will have to depend on an egg donor or will have to go for invetro-fertilization. Treatments may include surgical operation or estrogen therapy. Discontinuing medication and decreasing the intensity of exercise will help to get rid of this condition. Woman suffering from this condition should consult a proper doctor before undergoing any treatment.