Hypothalamic amenorrhea can stop your period
There are many health conditions we don’t know enough about as women, but educating ourselves about them is vital.
We aren’t likely to suffer from hypothalamic amenorrhea but being aware of the symptoms is important for all women.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a condition where your period stops because of an issue with your hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is a structure deep in your brain that acts as your body’s coordinating centre.
According to Mayo Clinic, the main function is to keep your body in a stable state called homeostasis.
It directly influences your autonomic nervous system by managing hormones.
But what is hypothalamic amenorrhea?
Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a condition where a woman doesn’t get her period because she has a problem with her hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus regulates everything from your temperature and hunger to aspects of your reproduction.
The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a hormone that works with follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen to control menstruation.
Your hormones become unbalanced when your hypothalamus stops producing this hormone which can lead to irregular and absent periods.
Two types of amenorrhea can affect millions of women around the world. Primary amenorrhea is when a woman has not got her first period by 16 or within five years of puberty.
Secondary amenorrhea is when you have regular periods but they stop for over three months.
What are the main causes?
The main causes include not eating enough food or restricting food.
Poor nutrition, excessive exercise, and emotional or physiological stress are other triggers.
Some people will also suffer from hypothalamic amenorrhea because of low body fat or if they have an eating disorder.
The symptoms to look out for
The main symptoms of hypothalamic amenorrhea include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy
- Hunger
- Vaginal dryness
- Low sex drive
- Hair loss
- Headaches
The main treatment for this condition is lifestyle changes like limiting how much you exercise or introducing dietary changes.
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