Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea refers to the absent or irregular menstrual periods in a woman of reproductive age. This condition can be caused by multiple conditions including problems with the ovaries, uterus, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Hormonal disturbances from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus that can lead to amenorrhea include decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) production or excess prolactin production (hyperprolactinemia). These hormonal imbalances can result from pituitary tumors, brain tumors or other forms of damage to the pituitary gland such as radiation or head trauma. In women with a prolactinoma and high prolactin levels, amenorrhea is often associated with galactorrhea (abnormal breast milk production).