Amenorrhea
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Transcript of Amenorrhea
AmenorrheaDanielle, Kelsey, Joe, MattTable 3 Period 3
An Overview
An Overview
• Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstrual bleeding and may be primary or secondary.
An Overview
• Primary Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding and secondary sexual characteristics in a girl by age 14.
-OR-• The absence of menstrual bleeding with
normal development of secondary sexual characteristics in a girl by age 16.
An overview
• For a woman to have a regular menstrual cycle, her HYPOTHALAMUS, PITUITARY gland, OVARIES and UTERUS should all be functioning normally.
An overview
• The Hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland by releasing follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
• This causes the ovaries to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
An overview
• Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the cyclical changes in the endometrium ( uterine lining), including menstruation.
A chart illustrating a normal menstrual cycle.
Causes
Hypothalamic causes
• Craniopharyngioma- a brain tumor near the pituitary gland.
• Teratoma-a tumor made up of a mixture of tissues.
• Sarcoidosis- the formation of nodules in different parts of the body.
Hypothalamic causes
• Kallmann Syndrome- Deficiency of gonadotropins, which are hormones capable of promoting growth and function of reproductive hormones.
• Nutritional Deficiency • Low Body Weight
Pituitary Causes
• Prolactinemia- High blood levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulate the secretion of breast milk.
• Pituitary Tumors• Postpartum Pituitary Necrosis- Death of
pituitary cells after a woman delivers a baby.
Pituitary causes
• Autoimmune Hypophysitis- Cells of the pituitary gland destroyed by the body’s own defense system
• Pituitary Radiation
Ovarian Causes
• Anovulation- Lack of the release of an egg• Hyperandrogenemia- High blood levels of
male hormones• Polycystic ovary syndrome• Premature Ovarian Failure• Turner Syndrome-Genetic disorder
characterized by underdeveloped ovaries, short stature.
Ovarian Causes
• Pure Gonadal Dysgenesis- Defective development of the ovary
• Autoimune Oophoritis- Cells of the ovaries destroyed by the body’s own defense system
• Radiation or Chemotherapy• Abnormalities of the genital tract
Functional Causes
• Anorexia/Bulimia• Chronic Disease ( Ex: Tuberculosis)• Excessive weight gain/loss• Malnutrition • Psychiatric Disorders• Recreational Drug Abuse• Excessive Stress• Excessive Exercise
Symptoms
Symptoms
• Amenorrhea is a symptom of an underlying disorder.
Symptoms
• Galactorrhea- Production of breast milk in women who are not pregnant
• Headache• Reduced Peripheral Vision
These could be signs of an intracranial tumor.
Symptoms
• Noticeable weight gain/ loss• Excessive anxiety• Hot Flashes• Night Sweats• Disrupted Sleep
These can be signs of Ovarian Insufficiency or Premature Ovarian Failure.
Exams and Tests
Exams and Tests
• Blood Tests to determine hormone levels• CT or MRI of the head to exclude pituitary and
hypothalamic causes• Thyroid Function Tests• Hysteroscopy-Visual inspection of uterus
Medical Treatments
Medical Treatment
• Hormone Replacement Therapy• Radiation Therapy for tumor-related• Contraceptives to restore menstrual cycle
Sources
Amenorrhea. (2002). In Britanica (15th ed., Vol. 1, p. 324). Chicago: Encyclopedia Britanica Inc. (Original work published 1768)
Slap, G., M.D. (2005). Amenorrhea. In K. Krapp & J. Wilson (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health (Vol. 1, pp. 88-92). Michigan: Thomson Gale.
The Tale of 4 Hormones- Normal Menstrual Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2012, from http://pcosjournal.com/hormones-normal-menstrual-cycle/
Turkington, C. A. (2002). Amenorrhea. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 146-148). Michigan: Gale Group.
Nelson, L. M., M.D. (n.d.). Amenorrhea. Retrieved from WEB M.D, LLC website: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=59246&pf=3&pa
Slide 8 Image: http://img.medscape.com/pi/emed/ckb/obstetrics_gynecology/252558-1336968-276110-1622624.jpg