Primary amenorrhea

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Primary amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea (pronounced: /ˌpriːməriː əˈmɛnəˌriːə/) is a medical condition in which menstruation has not started in a girl by the age of 16, despite other signs of puberty being normal.

Etymology

The term "amenorrhea" is derived from the Greek words "a-", meaning "without", "men-", meaning "month", and "-rhea", meaning "flow". Thus, amenorrhea translates to "without monthly flow". The prefix "primary" indicates that the condition has been present since the beginning, i.e., menstruation has never occurred.

Causes

Primary amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and structural abnormalities in the reproductive system. Some common causes include Turner syndrome, Androgen insensitivity syndrome, and Müllerian agenesis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of primary amenorrhea typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, and possibly MRI. The aim is to identify any underlying conditions or abnormalities that may be causing the amenorrhea.

Treatment

Treatment for primary amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. It may involve hormone therapy, surgery, or other treatments as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if the amenorrhea is not causing any health problems and the woman does not wish to menstruate or become pregnant.

Related Terms

  • Secondary amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual periods in women who have previously menstruated.
  • Menarche: The first menstrual cycle in a woman's life.
  • Menopause: The end of a woman's menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

External links

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