Amenorrhea can be either primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is a condition in which a female has not had a menstrual cycle by age sixteen. Secondary occurs when a female that previously had normal menstrual cycles suddenly stops. Both of these conditions should be addressed and discussed with a medical professional. Often times it is a condition treated with hormone therapy and responds well to it, but if left alone can lead to many other complications In addition, amenorrhea is sometimes one part of a bigger problem, such as
Female Athlete Triad and is a way for the body to provide signs that other issues may be occurring as well.
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, not to be confused with
Mittelschmerz. Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea may be due to further pathological conditions and needs to be discussed with a physician. However, less severe pain may often times be resolved with over the counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and treatments such as a heat pack. It could be associated with a heavy flow (menorrhagia) and this should be addressed as well.
