Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman misses one or more of her regular menstruations for three or more consecutive months. There are two types of amenorrhea:

• Primary Amenorrhea – this refers to the absence of menstruation in someone who has not gotten her period at the age of 15. This is usually caused by hormone levels and anatomical problems.
• Secondary Amenorrhea – this refers to the absence of menstruation in someone who has missed her period three or more times in a row.

If you are experiencing amenorrhea symptoms, or haven’t had your period and over 15 years old, you can talk to the best gynecologist in Brooklyn area and visit us at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.

Primary amenorrhea is the condition where a person assigned female at birth has not had their first menstrual period by the age of 15, but had normal growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development. In some cases, if there are no signs of puberty by age 13, this may also indicate primary amenorrhea.

Causes

Possible causes of primary amenorrhea can include:

• Genetic and Chromosomal Abnormalities
  • Turner Syndrome – A condition where one of the X chromosomes is missing or incomplete, which can lead to underdeveloped ovaries and a lack of menstruation.
  • Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome – A person with male (XY) chromosomes who is resistant to male hormones (androgens), leading to female physical traits but no uterus, preventing menstruation.
• Hormonal Imbalances
  • Hypothalamic or Pituitary Disorders – The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control hormone production. Disorders like hypothalamic amenorrhea (due to stress, eating disorders, or excessive exercise) or a pituitary tumor can prevent your body from releasing hormones needed for menstruation.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A condition that affects your ovaries and hormone levels, potentially delaying the start of menstruation.
• Ovarian Issues
  • Gonadal Dysgenesis – Underdeveloped ovaries that fail to produce sufficient hormones.
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – A condition where your ovaries stop functioning properly before you reach the age 40, affecting hormone levels needed for menstruation.
• Anatomical Abnormalities
  • Müllerian Agenesis (MRKH Syndrome) – A condition where your uterus and parts of your reproductive tract are absent, preventing menstruation.
  • Imperforate Hymen or Vaginal Agenesis – Structural issues that block your menstrual flow or prevent menstruation entirely.
• Chronic Health Conditions and Lifestyle Factors
  • Eating Disorders – Such as anorexia or bulimia. Severe weight loss and malnutrition can disrupt normal hormone levels, delaying menstruation.
  • Excessive Exercise – High levels of physical activity can interfere with your hormone production and delay menstruation.
  • Chronic Illnesses – Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or celiac disease can affect your hormone levels and delay menstruation.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause of your amenorrhea, you will experience these signs and symptoms, such as:

• Absence of Menstruation
  • No period by age 15, despite other signs of puberty such as breast development and pubic hair growth.
  • No signs of puberty by age 13, or have delayed breast development or lack of pubic hair.
• Additional Symptoms Depending on the Cause
  • Delayed Breast Development – This may indicate a problem with hormone production or ovarian function.
  • Hot Flashes or Night Sweats – Symptoms similar to menopause, which can occur in cases of premature ovarian insufficiency.
  • Short Stature or Slow Growth – In cases like Turner syndrome, where growth may be affected.
  • Genital Abnormalities – In cases of anatomical abnormalities, such as an absent uterus or vaginal blockages.
  • Facial or Body Hair – Excess hair growth or acne in cases of PCOS due to high levels of androgens (male hormones).

If primary amenorrhea is suspected, your medical provider will typically conduct a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies, to identify the underlying cause. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage your condition effectively.

It’s important to work closely with your medical provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. Remember, your medical provider can help you get the care you need. If you are looking for a gynecologist that you can trust, you can book your appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center. At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we provide women with quality health care services. Our specialists aim to deliver the highest quality of healthcare. We work with our patients in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for their condition. To book an appointment, you can visit us 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 or call us at 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website at http://www.gynecologistbrooklyn.com/.