Amenorrhea
What is menstruation?
Menstruation, also called a period, is normal vaginal bleeding that happens as part of the monthly cycle in women and girls. Every month, the body prepares for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not happen, the uterus (womb) sheds its lining. This blood and tissue leave the body through the vagina.
What is the menstrual cycle?The menstrual cycle is the monthly process the body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. It is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Most menstrual cycles last about 28 days, but cycles can be shorter or longer and still be normal.
When will my period start?Most girls start having a period between ages 9 and 15, but some may start earlier or later. A period usually lasts three to seven days and can be light or heavy. It may take a few years to become regular.
Your period may change during times that affect hormones, such as after childbirth or while breastfeeding. Periods usually continue until menopause, which most often happens between ages 45 and 55.
What are the symptoms of menstruation?In addition to vaginal bleeding, you may have:
- Cramping pain in the lower abdomen (belly) or pelvis
- Lower back pain
- Bloating
- Sore breasts
- Food cravings
- Mood swings or irritability
- Headaches or fatigue
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that can happen in the days before a period starts. Many women have some PMS symptoms, which usually go away after their period begins.
Many women and girls use menstrual products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear to manage bleeding during their period. Changing or cleaning these products often helps you stay comfortable and clean.
What are menstrual irregularities?Menstrual irregularities are changes in the usual menstrual cycle. These may include missed periods, irregular periods, or heavy bleeding. Common menstrual irregularities include:
- Amenorrhea means not having a period.
- Oligomenorrhea means having periods that happen less often.
- Menorrhagia means very heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding occurs when periods regularly last longer than 8 days.
- Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods that may include severe cramps.
Keep track of your period each month. This can help you understand your usual cycle, know when to expect your next period, and notice changes.
Talk with your health care provider if you notice major changes in your menstrual cycle, very heavy bleeding, or severe pain. These may be signs of other health problems that need treatment.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Amenorrhea
ACTÆA ALBA.
The rhizome and rootlets of Actaea alba, Bigelow (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). A perennial of the United States east of the Mississippi, abounding in... / ...he female reproductive organs, with atony and nervous impairmentsuch as the debility conducing to amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and the irritability of weakness of the sexual system prov... / ...arising from derangement of the reproductive organs. Like cimicifuga it is useful in atonic indigestion of the nervous dyspepsia type. 1
The rhizome and rootlets of Actaea alba, Bigelow (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). A perennial of the United States east of the Mississippi, abounding in... / ...he female reproductive organs, with atony and nervous impairmentsuch as the debility conducing to amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and the irritability of weakness of the sexual system prov... / ...arising from derangement of the reproductive organs. Like cimicifuga it is useful in atonic indigestion of the nervous dyspepsia type. 1
ASARUM CANDENSE
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae). A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in... / ...py.A very pleasant stimulating carminative, diaphoretic and emmenagogue, of considerable value in amenorrhea from recent colds, in atonic dysmenorrhea, and in flatulent colic. A warm infusion is a v... / ...chronic coughs of debility to aid expectoration. It is contraindicated by gastro-intestinal inflammation. 1
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae). A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in... / ...py.A very pleasant stimulating carminative, diaphoretic and emmenagogue, of considerable value in amenorrhea from recent colds, in atonic dysmenorrhea, and in flatulent colic. A warm infusion is a v... / ...chronic coughs of debility to aid expectoration. It is contraindicated by gastro-intestinal inflammation. 1
CAPSELLACAPSE
The freshly dried plant Capsella Bursa-pastoris, Moench (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). A common weed, native of Europe, but naturalized... / ...spepsia of an atonic type. Slightly stimulant it sometimes aids when simple measures are desired in amenorrhea. In chronic menorrhagia, with a too long or too frequent and almost colorless flow, it is... / ...or passive hemorrhage.1
The freshly dried plant Capsella Bursa-pastoris, Moench (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). A common weed, native of Europe, but naturalized... / ...spepsia of an atonic type. Slightly stimulant it sometimes aids when simple measures are desired in amenorrhea. In chronic menorrhagia, with a too long or too frequent and almost colorless flow, it is... / ...or passive hemorrhage.1
CARTHAMUS
The florets of Carthamus tinctorius, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, but cultivated in Europe and the United... / ...e. Action and Therapy.Chiefly employed in domestic medicine in hot infusion as an emmenagogue for amenorrhea due to recent colds; and to determine the eruption in scarlet fever and measles. It is so...1
The florets of Carthamus tinctorius, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, but cultivated in Europe and the United... / ...e. Action and Therapy.Chiefly employed in domestic medicine in hot infusion as an emmenagogue for amenorrhea due to recent colds; and to determine the eruption in scarlet fever and measles. It is so...1
CAULOPHYLLUM
...given fair results, though macrotys has supplanted it for most conditions. Metritis, endo-metritis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovaralgia, ovaritis, rheumatism of the uterus, menstrual cramps, uterine s......er cent solution of the emmenagogue principle of caulophyllum) has been successfully prescribed for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and chlorosis. The dose of leontin is 5 to 15 drops in syrup or sweetened ...1
...given fair results, though macrotys has supplanted it for most conditions. Metritis, endo-metritis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovaralgia, ovaritis, rheumatism of the uterus, menstrual cramps, uterine s......er cent solution of the emmenagogue principle of caulophyllum) has been successfully prescribed for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and chlorosis. The dose of leontin is 5 to 15 drops in syrup or sweetened ...1
HEDEOMA
...omae, Infusion of Pennyroyal (1 ounce to Water, 16 fluidounces), ad libitum. Specific Indications.Amenorrhea of long standing, with pallor and anemia and dark circles around the eyes; the patient co......such insects. Internal. Oil of Pennyroyal is useful in nausea, stomach cramps, flatulent colic, and amenorrhea in debilitated subjects. It is frequently used to prevent griping from other medicines. I...1
...omae, Infusion of Pennyroyal (1 ounce to Water, 16 fluidounces), ad libitum. Specific Indications.Amenorrhea of long standing, with pallor and anemia and dark circles around the eyes; the patient co......such insects. Internal. Oil of Pennyroyal is useful in nausea, stomach cramps, flatulent colic, and amenorrhea in debilitated subjects. It is frequently used to prevent griping from other medicines. I...1
HELONIASHELON
The rhizome of Chamaelirium luteum, Gray (Helonias dioica, Pursh)-(Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Abundant in woodlands, meadows, and wet places in some... / ... of the body. There is associated aching and propulsive pain. In anemic cases the drug is useful in amenorrhea, and in leucorrhea should be given internally, while hot antiseptic and astringent inject... / ...It is also said to relieve the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, to prevent miscarriages, and to correct gastric complications of albuminuria.1
The rhizome of Chamaelirium luteum, Gray (Helonias dioica, Pursh)-(Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Abundant in woodlands, meadows, and wet places in some... / ... of the body. There is associated aching and propulsive pain. In anemic cases the drug is useful in amenorrhea, and in leucorrhea should be given internally, while hot antiseptic and astringent inject... / ...It is also said to relieve the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, to prevent miscarriages, and to correct gastric complications of albuminuria.1
LEONURUS
The tops and leaves of Leonurus Cardiaca, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Asia, Europe, and common in the United States. Common Name:... / ...discomforts incident to debility of the female reproductive organs. A warm infusion may be used in amenorrhea, and King praised it for the restoration of suppressed lochia. It deserves restudy to det...1
The tops and leaves of Leonurus Cardiaca, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Asia, Europe, and common in the United States. Common Name:... / ...discomforts incident to debility of the female reproductive organs. A warm infusion may be used in amenorrhea, and King praised it for the restoration of suppressed lochia. It deserves restudy to det...1
MATRICARIA
The dried flower-heads of Matricaria Chamomilla, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Wastes of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...y allays false pains, cough, nervous muscular twitching, and other unpleasant nervous phenomena. In amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, with weighty feeling in the uterus and tympanites, it often relieves, a... / ...to the actual pain suffered. This remedy should be resorted to when one is tempted to employ opiates and other more powerful pain relievers.1
The dried flower-heads of Matricaria Chamomilla, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Wastes of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...y allays false pains, cough, nervous muscular twitching, and other unpleasant nervous phenomena. In amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, with weighty feeling in the uterus and tympanites, it often relieves, a... / ...to the actual pain suffered. This remedy should be resorted to when one is tempted to employ opiates and other more powerful pain relievers.1
MYRRHA (Commiphora spp.)
...ing in the pelvis and leucorrhea; and in suppression of the menses in anemic girls. For the type of amenorrhea dependent upon uterine torpor and constipation Locke advised the following: Rx Myrrh, 30 ...... day. Myrrh is an ingredient of the celebrated Griffith's Mixture (Mistura Ferri Composita) for the amenorrhea of chlorosis and other forms of anemia; and of the Compound Pills of Rhubarb (Pilulae Rhe...1
...ing in the pelvis and leucorrhea; and in suppression of the menses in anemic girls. For the type of amenorrhea dependent upon uterine torpor and constipation Locke advised the following: Rx Myrrh, 30 ...... day. Myrrh is an ingredient of the celebrated Griffith's Mixture (Mistura Ferri Composita) for the amenorrhea of chlorosis and other forms of anemia; and of the Compound Pills of Rhubarb (Pilulae Rhe...1
PETROSELINUM
The dried, ripe fruit and root of Petroselinum sativum, Hoffman (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Native of Europe; cultivated in all moderate... / ...d headache similar to that resulting from cinchona. It is used almost entirely for the treatment of amenorrhea, due to ovarian inactivity. It should be administered in doses of seven to ten grains, th... / ...fail to produce any emmenagogue effects. A liquid apiol (Oleoresina Petroselini) is to be preferred, given in doses of eight to twelve minims.1
The dried, ripe fruit and root of Petroselinum sativum, Hoffman (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Native of Europe; cultivated in all moderate... / ...d headache similar to that resulting from cinchona. It is used almost entirely for the treatment of amenorrhea, due to ovarian inactivity. It should be administered in doses of seven to ten grains, th... / ...fail to produce any emmenagogue effects. A liquid apiol (Oleoresina Petroselini) is to be preferred, given in doses of eight to twelve minims.1
PULSATILLA
The recent herb of Anemone Pulsatilla, Linné, and of Anemone pratensis, Linné, collected soon after flowering (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae).... / ...ous collapse, due to overwork, sexual indulgence, masturbation, or to the excessive use of tobacco; amenorrhea with chilliness and mental depression; dysmenorrhea, with gloomy mentality and chilliness...1
The recent herb of Anemone Pulsatilla, Linné, and of Anemone pratensis, Linné, collected soon after flowering (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae).... / ...ous collapse, due to overwork, sexual indulgence, masturbation, or to the excessive use of tobacco; amenorrhea with chilliness and mental depression; dysmenorrhea, with gloomy mentality and chilliness...1
RUTA
The leaves and unripe fruit of Ruta graveolens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). A half shrubby perennial introduced into American gardens from... / ...sing death. It is emmenagogue and anthelmintic. Acting strongly upon the uterus, it may be given in amenorrhea due to atony, but the dose must be small lest an inflammatory action be induced. It is a ...1
The leaves and unripe fruit of Ruta graveolens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). A half shrubby perennial introduced into American gardens from... / ...sing death. It is emmenagogue and anthelmintic. Acting strongly upon the uterus, it may be given in amenorrhea due to atony, but the dose must be small lest an inflammatory action be induced. It is a ...1
SANGUINARIAALFI8
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae), gathered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the... / ...ents. The alterative properties of sanguinaria are not to be underestimated. Bloodroot is useful in amenorrhea in anemic and chlorotic patients who suffer with chills and headache, and in dysmenorrhea...1
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae), gathered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the... / ...ents. The alterative properties of sanguinaria are not to be underestimated. Bloodroot is useful in amenorrhea in anemic and chlorotic patients who suffer with chills and headache, and in dysmenorrhea...1
SENECIO
The whole plant of Senecio aureus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Northern and western parts of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...gaments and surrounding tissues. Senecio is an ideal emmenagogue and the best single remedy for the amenorrhea of debility. As such for amenorrhea in the young in whom the menstrual function is not ye... / ...urination. The dose of specific medicine senecio, the best preparation of it, is from five to sixty drops in water, three or four times a day.1
The whole plant of Senecio aureus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Northern and western parts of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...gaments and surrounding tissues. Senecio is an ideal emmenagogue and the best single remedy for the amenorrhea of debility. As such for amenorrhea in the young in whom the menstrual function is not ye... / ...urination. The dose of specific medicine senecio, the best preparation of it, is from five to sixty drops in water, three or four times a day.1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Amenorrhea
BUCKBEANMENYA
The leaves of MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA, Lin. Bitter tonic. alterative, emmenagogue. anthelmintic; in large doses cathartic and emetic. Used in atonic dyspepsia, in chronic cutaneous diseases and in amenorrhea.2
The leaves of MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA, Lin. Bitter tonic. alterative, emmenagogue. anthelmintic; in large doses cathartic and emetic. Used in atonic dyspepsia, in chronic cutaneous diseases and in amenorrhea.2
MANGANESE
The compounds of MANGANEsE are often given in conjunction with those of iron as hematinic tonics. Some of them are reported to have a specific action as emmenagogues. a. Manganese Bromide. Dose. 0.06 to 0.30 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.). For formula see under Gold Bromide. b. Manganese Carbonate. Hematinic tonic, emmena gogue. Dose, 0.06 to 0.20 Grm. (1 to 3 grs.). c. Manganese Dioxide. Hematinic tonic, emmenagogue, alterative. Used in chlorosis, amenorrhea and in some forms of gastralgia. Dose, 0.06 to 02
The compounds of MANGANEsE are often given in conjunction with those of iron as hematinic tonics. Some of them are reported to have a specific action as emmenagogues. a. Manganese Bromide. Dose. 0.06 to 0.30 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.). For formula see under Gold Bromide. b. Manganese Carbonate. Hematinic tonic, emmena gogue. Dose, 0.06 to 0.20 Grm. (1 to 3 grs.). c. Manganese Dioxide. Hematinic tonic, emmenagogue, alterative. Used in chlorosis, amenorrhea and in some forms of gastralgia. Dose, 0.06 to 02
MYRRHCOMMI2
Gum-resin obtained from COMMIPHORA MYRRHA, (Nees) Engler. Stimulating tonic, expectorant, emmenagogue; frequently combined with Aloes and Iron in amenorrhea; topically applied in dilute solu tion to spongy gums, aphthous ulcerations of the mouth, etc.2
Gum-resin obtained from COMMIPHORA MYRRHA, (Nees) Engler. Stimulating tonic, expectorant, emmenagogue; frequently combined with Aloes and Iron in amenorrhea; topically applied in dilute solu tion to spongy gums, aphthous ulcerations of the mouth, etc.2
RUERUTA5
The leaves of RUTA GRAVEOLENS. Lin. Irritant, acting specifically on the uterine system; emmenagogue, antispasmodic. anthelmintic. Used in amenorrhea, not of congestive type; in hysteria; in hemorrhage following abortion. etc. Active constituent, the volatile oil which may be given in doses of 0.03 to 0.15 c. c. (1 to 5 drops).2
The leaves of RUTA GRAVEOLENS. Lin. Irritant, acting specifically on the uterine system; emmenagogue, antispasmodic. anthelmintic. Used in amenorrhea, not of congestive type; in hysteria; in hemorrhage following abortion. etc. Active constituent, the volatile oil which may be given in doses of 0.03 to 0.15 c. c. (1 to 5 drops).2
SAXIFRAGESAXIF
The root of PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA. Lin. Aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, emmenagogue Used in amenorrhea, dropsy, as a masticatory for toothache. etc.2
The root of PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA. Lin. Aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, emmenagogue Used in amenorrhea, dropsy, as a masticatory for toothache. etc.2
SENEGA
The root of POLYGALA SENEGA, Lin. Stimulant expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue; in large doses emetic and cathartic. A valuable remedy in typhoid pneumonia, in chronic bronchitis with profuse expectoration and in the secondarv stages of spasmodic croup; used also in amenorrhea.2
The root of POLYGALA SENEGA, Lin. Stimulant expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue; in large doses emetic and cathartic. A valuable remedy in typhoid pneumonia, in chronic bronchitis with profuse expectoration and in the secondarv stages of spasmodic croup; used also in amenorrhea.2
WATER PEPPER
The flowering herb of POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM, Ell. Astring ent, detergent, diaphoretic, emmenagogue; locally counter-irritant. Its most important use is in amenorrhea.2
The flowering herb of POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM, Ell. Astring ent, detergent, diaphoretic, emmenagogue; locally counter-irritant. Its most important use is in amenorrhea.2
YARROW (Miiiefolium)ACHIL
The flowering herb of ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Lin. Stimulant tonic, astringent, with aspecial action on the pelvic organs; useful in hemorrhoids, atonic amenorrhea and in atonic gastric disorders.2
The flowering herb of ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Lin. Stimulant tonic, astringent, with aspecial action on the pelvic organs; useful in hemorrhoids, atonic amenorrhea and in atonic gastric disorders.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Amenorrhea
AMENORRHEA
When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal or of rue, savine or tansy; black cohosh; manganese dioxide (or potassium permanganate), taken for at least two weeks beiore the regular time for menstruation. When due to “cold,” the sitz bath and hot infusions of pennyroyal or similar herbs; quinine with aloes or rhubarb. Cotton-root bark, ergot and similar agents are to be used always with due cauti...2
When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal or of rue, savine or tansy; black cohosh; manganese dioxide (or potassium permanganate), taken for at least two weeks beiore the regular time for menstruation. When due to “cold,” the sitz bath and hot infusions of pennyroyal or similar herbs; quinine with aloes or rhubarb. Cotton-root bark, ergot and similar agents are to be used always with due cauti...2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.