A woman’s menstrual cycle is often viewed as an important indicator of overall health. Irregular menstrual cycles or missing menstrual periods can indicate underlying health issues, some of which can be serious. According to mayoclinic, There are several diseases that can disrupt the regularity of a woman’s menstrual cycle and, in some cases, can make a woman miss her period entirely.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can lead to irregular periods, missed periods, and other symptoms. Other common symptoms of PCOS include elevated androgen levels, cysts in the ovaries, acne, and excessive facial hair growth. PCOS is the most common cause of irregular periods.
PCOS can be caused by genetics, obesity, or insulin resistance. It is most commonly treated with birth control hormones, which can help regulate menstrual cycles, alongside lifestyle changes including weight management, healthy eating, and regular exercise.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is a disruption of the normal menstrual cycle caused when the hormones that control the normal functioning of the reproductive system become imbalanced. It can amongst others be caused by significant life stress, excessive exercise, low body weight, overtraining, eating disorders, or extreme dieting. It leads to a lack of menstruation and a lack of ovulation.
Unlike PCOS, which is associated with high androgen levels, HA is associated with low levels of “reproductive hormones, such as progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The most common treatment for HA is lifestyle modification, including improved nutrition, reduced stress, and rest.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid issues can lead to abnormal menstrual cycles and even a complete cessation of menstruation. A thyroid issue is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder in which a woman’s thyroid gland becomes overly active or underactive, leading to imbalances in the hormones responsible for the regularity of menstruation.
Because thyroid disorders are treated with medication, it is important to attain an accurate diagnosis to ensure that the right medication is prescribed. Additionally, taking the right daily supplements, such as iodine and vitamin A, can help restore balance to a woman’s hormonal system.
Premature Ovarian Failure
A woman’s ovaries are responsible not only for producing ova, but also for producing the hormones necessary to maintain a regular menstrual cycle. Premature ovarian failure is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop producing the necessary hormones to support the normal functioning of a woman’s reproductive system, leading to a complete cessation of menses.
Premature ovarian failure is usually caused by genetic defects, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, or chronic illness. Treatment focuses on replicating the natural hormonal cycle through hormone replacement therapy.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus implants itself elsewhere in the body, such as in the ovaries, bowel, or other organs. This misplaced tissue still experiences the normal hormonal changes associated with menstruation, but it has no way of being released and can lead to pain, infertility, and a disruption in a woman’s menstrual cycle.
A doctor can diagnose endometriosis through a physical exam and ultrasounds, and it is typically treated with hormone therapy such as a contraceptive pill or an intrauterine device, or through surgery.
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to a disruption in menstrual cycles due to a rise in the hormone androgen. Symptoms of Cushing syndrome include weight gain, weakening of the bones, and skin problems. It is commonly caused by the use of corticosteroid medications, either taken by mouth or injected into the body, or by an underlying tumor in the pituitary gland.
Cortisol levels can be monitored with a simple blood test, and the condition can typically be treated with medications or through surgery to remove the tumor, if present.
Conclusion
Missing a period or having an irregular menstrual cycle can be an indication of underlying health issues, and in some cases can be caused by a serious medical condition. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea, thyroid disorders, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, and Cushing syndrome can all lead to missing a period or having an irregular menstrual cycle.
If a woman is experiencing issues with her menstrual cycle, she should consult her doctor for an accurate diagnosis and for assistance in finding the right treatment plan. While many of these conditions can be treated with lifestyle modification or hormone therapy, it is important to treat these conditions as soon as possible to minimize their effects and to restore balance to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Source: Ngdailynews
