Final answer:
Secondary amenorrhea may be caused by a variety of factors including anorexia nervosa, pregnancy, being overweight, inadequate pituitary function, excessive androgenic or estrogen hormones. It is a condition closely tied to infertility and can also be influenced by the natural aging process and endocrine system changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in individuals who have previously had normal menstrual cycles. Several factors can lead to secondary amenorrhea including:
- Anorexia nervosa: The food restriction can result in excessive weight loss, leading to amenorrhea due to hormonal imbalances caused by inadequate nutrition.
- Pregnancy: This is a natural and common cause of amenorrhea as the menstrual cycle is halted during pregnancy.
- Overweight: Excessive body weight can affect hormone levels, disrupting the menstrual cycle and leading to amenorrhea.
- Inadequate pituitary stimulation of the ovary: Leads to an imbalance of hormones necessary for menstruation.
- Excessive androgenic hormones: Can disrupt the regular cycle and cause amenorrhea.
- Excessive estrogen levels: While high levels of estrogen are typically associated with fertility issues, they can also cause amenorrhea in certain contexts.
Infertility and secondary amenorrhea are often connected, as they can both result from hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and other health issues. Additionally, the condition can also be influenced by the aging process and endocrine system changes, such as those occurring during menopause.