Amenorrhea in Nigeria, prevalence, Causes, Symptoms, types etc.

Amenorrhea in Nigeria, prevalence Causes, Symptoms, types and many more.

Updated: 10-01-2024

Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a major health concern in Nigeria, affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age.

Amenorrhea, which affects approximately 8% of Nigerian women, prevents menstruation in girls who have not reached puberty or in women who previously had regular periods. While pregnancy is the most common cause for women, other factors include hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and traditional practices such as FGM. Diagnosis entails a medical history, tests, and treatment, which ranges from lifestyle changes to medications or surgery, depending on the cause. Seeking medical advice is critical for accurate diagnosis and healthy menstrual cycles.

Prevalence and incidence of Amenorrhea in Nigeria

According to recent studies, based on gynaecological consultations, the prevalence of amenorrhea in Nigeria is estimated to be around 8%. 140 cases of amenorrhea were managed out of 1,742 consultations, with 86% classified as secondary amenorrhea and 14% as primary amenorrhea.

The prevalence of amenorrhea in Nigeria is unknown, and more research is needed to determine the number of new cases each year. However, existing research indicates that amenorrhea is a relatively common gynaecological condition, particularly among women of reproductive age.

Amenorrhea ICD 10

Amenorrhea is classified as code N91 in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), which includes various types of amenorrhea, such as primary and secondary amenorrhea, as well as other menstrual abnormalities.

What is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a type of secondary amenorrhea caused by hypothalamic dysfunction, which is a part of the brain that regulates reproductive hormones. Excessive exercise, low body weight, or high levels of stress are frequently associated with it, causing disruptions in the menstrual cycle. Treatment may include addressing underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies or psychological stressors, as well as restoring hormonal balance via targeted interventions

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, one or (more) missed menstrual periods. Women who've missed almost 3 menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea, as do girls who haven't all started menstruation by means of age 15.

SYMPTOMS OF AMENORRHEA

The main signal of amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual durations. Depending on the purpose of amenorrhea, you would possibly experience other signs and symptoms or symptoms in conjunction with the absence of intervals, together with:

Milky nipple discharge
Hair loss
Headache
Vision changes
Excess facial hair
Pelvic pain
Acne

CAUSES OF AMENORRHEA

Amenorrhea can occur in variety of reasons. Some are everyday for the duration of the route of a lady's lifestyles, even as others can be a side impact of medicine or a signal of a medical trouble.

NATURAL AMENORRHEA

During the normal route of your life, you could experience amenorrhea for natural motives, consisting of:

• Pregnancy

• Breast-feeding

• Menopause

CONTRACEPTIVES

Some women who take delivery manipulate tablets might not have periods. Even after preventing oral contraceptives, it may make the effort before regular ovulation and menstruation go back. Contraceptives that are injected or implanted also may also motive amenorrhea, as can a few styles of intrauterine gadgets.

MEDICATIONS

Certain medicinal drugs can cause menstrual periods to stop, which includes some sorts of:

• Antipsychotics

• Cancer chemotherapy

• Antidepressants

• Blood stress capsules

• Allergy medicines

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Sometimes lifestyle elements contribute to amenorrhea, for example:

• Low Body Weight: Excessively low body weight -approximately 10 percentage underneath regular weight - interrupts many hormonal functions on your body, potentially halting ovulation.

• EXCESSIVE EXERCISING: Women who participate in sports that require rigorous training, which includes ballet, might also discover their menstrual cycles interrupted.

• STRESS: Mental pressure can quickly adjust the functioning of your hypothalamus — an area of your mind that controls the hormones that modify your menstrual cycle. Ovulation and menstruation may prevent as a result.

HORMONAL IMBALANCE

Many varieties of medical problems can cause hormonal imbalance, consisting of:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Thyroid malfunction.

• Pituitary tumor.

• Premature menopause.

STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

Problems with the sexual organs themselves can also purpose amenorrhea. Examples include:

• Uterine scarring.

• Lack of reproductive organs.

•Structural abnormality of the vagina.

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RISK FACTORS OF AMENORRHEA

Factors which could growth your risk of amenorrhea may additionally encompass:

1. FAMILY HISTORY:

If other ladies for your family have skilled amenorrhea, you could have inherited a predisposition for the problem.

2. EATING PROBLEMS:

If you've got an eating disorder, along with anorexia or bulimia, you're at better risk of developing amenorrhea.

3. ATHLETIC TRAINING:

Rigorous athletic training can increase your danger of amenorrhea.

COMPLICATIONS OF AMENORRHEA

Complications of amenorrhea may additionally encompass:

1. INFERTILITY: If you don't ovulate and have menstrual durations, you can't emerge as pregnant.

2. OSTEOPOROSIS: If your amenorrhea is resulting from low estrogen degrees, you can also be vulnerable to osteoporosis — a weakening of your bones.

AMENORRHEA TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Amenorrhea may be a signal of a complex set of hormonal troubles. Finding the underlying reason can take time and can require multiple kind of testing.

LAB TEST

A kind of blood exams may be essential, along with:

Pregnancy check. This will possibly be the primary test your health practitioner suggests, to rule out or affirm a probable pregnancy.
Thyroid function test. Measuring the quantity of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to your blood can determine in case your thyroid is running well.
Ovary characteristic test. Measuring the quantity of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on your blood can determine in case your ovaries are working well.
Prolactin test: Low degrees of the hormone prolactin can be a sign of a pituitary gland tumor.
Male hormone test. If you are experiencing accelerated facial hair and a lowered voice, your health practitioner may additionally want to check the level of male hormones for your blood.

HORMONE CHALLENGE TEST

For this check, you're taking a hormonal medicinal drug for seven to ten days to trigger menstrual bleeding. Results from this test can inform your doctor whether your periods have stopped because of a lack of estrogen.

IMAGING TESTS

Depending to your symptoms — and the result of any blood exams you've had — your medical doctor would possibly advise one or extra imaging tests, consisting of:

Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to provide images of internal organs. If you have by no means had a period, your health practitioner may endorse an ultrasound check to test for any abnormalities in your reproductive organs.
Computerized tomography (CT). CT scans combine many X-ray photos taken from distinctive instructions to create move-sectional views of internal systems. A CT test can imply whether or not your uterus, ovaries and kidneys look regular.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves with a strong magnetic area to produce rather exact images of tender tissues within the body. Your physician may additionally order an MRI to test for a pituitary tumor.

Scope Test

If other checks reveals no particular cause, your doctor can also propose a hysteroscopy - a check where a thin, lighted digital camera is passed through your vagina and cervix to look at the interior of your uterus.

Prevention and Remedies of Amenorrhea in Nigeria

Depending on the underlying cause, prevention and management strategies for amenorrhea in Nigeria may include lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, and surgical interventions. Preventing complications and improving reproductive health outcomes requires health education, regular medical check-ups, and early intervention.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FOR AMENORRHEA

Treatment relies upon on the underlying cause of your amenorrhea. In a few cases, contraceptive drugs or other hormone treatments can restart your menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea due to thyroid or pituitary issues can be dealt with, with medicinal drugs. If a tumor or structural blockage is inflicting the hassle, surgery can be essential.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES FOR AMENORRHEA

Some lifestyle factors - which include an excessive amount of exercising or too little meals -- can cause amenorrhea, so try for stability in work, recreation and relaxation. Assess areas of pressure and conflict in your lifestyles. If you cannot decrease stress to your very own, ask for assist from circle of relatives, friends or your health practitioner.

Be aware of changes to your menstrual cycle and check along with your medical doctor if you have concerns. Keep a file of when your intervals arise. Note the date your duration starts, how long it lasts and any tough signs you experience.

NOTE:

Consult your doctor if you've missed at least a minimum of three menstrual periods in a row, or if you have never had a menstrual period and you are at the age of 15 or older

Reference:

Med surg textbook pdf
Reproductive health book 2015
Female diseases site