[18F] With amenorrhea and associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.

  • Treatment for PCOS usually involves lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. Birth control pills may also be prescribed to regulate periods.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

  • Treatment for hypothyroidism usually involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): This is a condition that causes a woman's ovaries to stop working normally before she is 40. Many women naturally experience reduced fertility when they are about 40 years old. They may start getting irregular menstrual periods as they transition to menopause. For women with POI, irregular periods and reduced fertility occur before the age of 40, sometimes as early as the teenage years.

  • Treatment for POI often involves hormone replacement therapy to help prevent some complications, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain neurological conditions.

What you can do

You should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform some tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms. These could include blood tests to check hormone levels and an ultrasound to look at your ovaries.

What you should look out for

You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Passing blood clots during periods
• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row
• Needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow
• Having to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night
• Bleeding for longer than a week
• Bleeding after sex or between periods

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.