Misdiagnosis of Underlying Causes of Amenorrhea

About underlying conditions: With a diagnosis of Amenorrhea, it is important to consider whether there is an underlying condition causing Amenorrhea. These are other medical conditions that may possibly cause Amenorrhea. For general information on this form of misdiagnosis, see Underlying Condition Misdiagnosis or Overview of Misdiagnosis

Underlying conditions list: The list of possible underlying conditions mentioned in various sources for Amenorrhea includes:

Pregnancy
Breast feeding
Exercise - might lead to skipping a period.
Stress - can cause menstrual irregularity.
Illness - can cause menstrual irregularity.
Major life changes - can cause menstrual irregularity.
Major emotional trauma - issues such as grief, depression, or anxiety
Depression
Grief
Anxiety
Menopause
Obesity
Underweight
Excessive dieting
Anorexia Nervosa
Female athlete syndrome
Curettage - complications such as adhesions.
Asherman's syndrome
Hypothalamus disorders
Pituitary disorders
Ovarian hormone disorders
Adrenal disorders
Thyroid disorders
Reproductive disorders

Amenorrhea as a complication: Other conditions that might have Amenorrhea as a complication might be potential underlying conditions. The list of conditions listing Amenorrhea as a complication includes:

Amenorrhea as a symptom: Conditions listing Amenorrhea as a symptom may also be potential underlying conditions:

Underlying conditions discussion: There are several reasons why you might skip a period one month:

Age – If you have just started having your period, it might not come every month. If you are an older woman who is approaching menopause, (when your periods stop), you might also skip a period.
Exercise - Excessive exercise might cause you to skip a period.
Stress - Stress and highly emotional times in your life may cause you to miss a period or two.
Illness - If you are sick, you might also miss a period.

If you miss more than a period or two (if you have been having regular periods previously), contact your health care provider. ¹

There are several causes for Amenorrhea:

Pregnancy is the most common reason for a woman to stop having her menstrual period
Breastfeeding
Extreme weight loss that can be caused by serious illness, eating disorders, or excessive exercising
Gland problems (pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal)
Reproductive problems

If your period has not started by the age of 16, or if you have stopped having your period, while you are still young, contact your doctor. ¹

A woman will no longer be able to reproduce once she reaches menopause. Menopause occurs around the age of 50. Menopause means that a woman is no longer ovulating (producing eggs) and therefore can no longer become pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and may take several years to occur. ¹

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Menstruation: NWHIC

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