Amenorrhea - Case Study Example

Download file to see previous pages... This paper will discuss a case study that involves a 30-year-old female whose has secondary amenorrhea for six months. Prior to being diagnosed with the disorder, she presented with periods of irregular cycles and dysmenorrhea. Thus, the paper will discuss the pathophysiology of the disorder and it possible causes in relation to irregular cycles and dysmenorrhea.
Amenorrhea is a menstrual disorder that refers to the absence of menstruation in a woman who had been previously having their normal menstrual cycle. Secondary is used to refer to menstruation that had previously occurred at least for some period but stopped for a period of six months or longer due to some reasons. In order for the woman to be diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea, they must miss their menstrual period for a period of at least three to six months without being pregnant (Heiman, 2009). The most significant contributing factors include the use of birth control pills, certain medications and stress that also have been associated to cause dysmenorrhea (painful cramping) and irregular cycles. The most common reason as to why a woman will miss their period is as a result of pregnancy. However, it should be noted that pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding are not classified as causes of the disorder. Secondary amenorrhea is not harmful to the patients’ health as it can be treated effectively in the majority of the cases according to the pathophysiology. Thus, it is important for the health care practitioner to address the underlying condition causing the menstrual disorder to ensure that optimal health of the woman is regained (Klein & Poth, 2013).
The hypothalamus is involved in generating the gonadotropin-releasing hormones that are responsible for stimulating the pituitary gland to produce the gonadotropins i.e. the Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle- stimulating hormone into the blood stream. These gonadotropins are important in ...Download file to see next pagesRead More