Primary amenorrhea is a condition in which menstruation is absent, according to MedlinePlus. This absence may or may not occur in the presence of puberty. Sometimes, underlying medical diseases can lead to primary amenorrhea. Fortunately, most of the causes of primary amenorrhea can be treated.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
MedlinePlus states that congenital adrenal hyperplasia refers to a disease of the adrenal glands, tissues located at the tops of the kidney that are responsible for releasing sex hormones and corticosteroids. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is due to a lack of the enzyme (chemical) needed to produce such specific hormones as aldosterone and cortisol.
Symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia include failing to menstruate, a deep voice, ambiguous genitalia, and the early appearance of armpit or pubic hair. Sometimes, dehydration, vomiting and cardiac arrythmias are other symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, says MedlinePlus.
Treating congenital adrenal hyperplasia involves taking such medications as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or fludrocortisone.
Turner Syndrome
Turner syndrome refers to a genetic disease in which females are missing one "X" chromosome. Typically, women have two "X" chromosomes. MedlinePlus says that Turner Syndrome occurs in 1 out of 2,000 live births.
Symptoms of Turner syndrome include failure to menstruate, vaginal dryness, drooping eyelids, a broad flat chest, infertility, a short height and dry eyes. Other symptoms of Turner syndrome include incomplete puberty, small breasts and less pubic hair.
Growth hormone may be used to help manage Turner syndrome.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The Mayo Clinic says that polycystic ovary disease is the most common type of hormonal disease affecting women in their fertile years.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include failing to menstruate for four months or longer, excess facial or body hair, large ovaries, acne and infertility. Other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include type 2 diabetes and darkened velvety skin.
Heredity, changes in fetal development, excess insulin and inflammation play a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Treating polycystic ovary syndrome involves taking low-dose birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle and taking medication such as clomiphene citrate to induce ovulation (egg release). Also, surgery can also be used to manage polycystic ovary syndrome.
