Patient's question:
Menstruation has not occurred for over 4 years, and despite numerous treatments, it has not returned. Currently, she experiences vaginal dryness, decreasing pubic hair, and is gaining weight. What are the possible causes of amenorrhea?Doctor's answer:
The causes of amenorrhea can be divided into physiological and pathological types. The physiological causes include: incomplete endocrine system, insufficient kidney qi, pregnancy; inability of the blood sea to be full during lactation, prolactin forcing an increase in the excretion of sex hormones; and factors such as ovarian function decline around the age of 50, leading to menopause. Pathological causes of amenorrhea are due to congenital defects in the lower segment of the reproductive tract, such as hymenal atresia or postnatal adhesions, which prevent menstruation from flowing out, resulting in hidden or pseudomenorrhea. Congenital absence or underdevelopment of the ovaries, ovarian damage or removal, ovarian tumors, and premature ovarian failure can also lead to ovarian amenorrhea.