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Avatar universal

unexplained amenorrhea and more..help me

Hi Guys,

I am a 17 year old female and for the last two years I have had unexplained secondary amenorrhea. I have seen three endocrinologists and none of them can find anything wrong. My thyroid and hormones have all been checked
countless times and everything comes back fine. I did just get a test back that said my LH was 1.3 and the norm is
between 1.6 and 12.4 The doctor didn't even seem worried about this. For the last year I have had chronic constipation. Nothing seems to work to get rid of it. That in itself is another story. My hair is thinning and my stomach bloats constantly. I have horrible abdominal distension I also have temperature problems. I just got back from Mayo Clinic and they didn't even know what was wrong. Can anyone give me some ideas. Thank you

iclimb
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Avatar universal
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this awful sickness. I am so glad that you posted to my question. Yes, I agree that there is a connection between the toxins, GI tract and ovaries. Well right now I am following a gluten-free diet. I am also allergic to cows milk. Being off of those two I feel so much better. I would advise that you look into those two and try staying away from those foods. My recent test was an ultrasound of my ovaries. The results came back normal. The doctors are dragging there feet to put me on birth control. I am afraid after reading your post that if I do go on, once I go off that my periods will stop. The doctors are so ignorant to constipation. I found out from a sitz marker test that I have a lazy colon. I have an appointment today. I will let you know how it goes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi iclimb,
I recently read your question and I have the same symptoms as you do. I am 26 but the symptoms started when I was 24. I have chronic constipation and secondary ammnorrhea. I have had like a zillion tests including a MRI of my brain and the doctors keep telling me that there is nothing wrong but I have offal stomach issues, no period unless I take the birth control pill but as soon as I stop the BCP so do my periods. It is really weird because they say i'm "fine" but I know I'm not. I'm wondering if the chronic constipation is causing all of the GI, menstral and low energy problems? I was reading an article that says that all of the toxins from the stool seap into your system. I was good GI wise for about a month and I got my period that month. Possibly trying to solve the constipation may solve the other problems? I'm on a search for answers as well and this is my latest theory. What do you think? Good luck!
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
I hope you are on your way to finding some answers!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry about the confusion. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow with a new doctor. I didn't know that about the contrast, that is interesting. Yes, PCOS is quite common. I am seeing a GYN tomorrow about my amenorrhea. I hope that all of my problems become resolved after tomorrow :)
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
Do you have an appointment set up now?  Just was noticing a slip in your wording or ? that caused a smile- you said doctors in the past didn't take you seriously when you suggested PCOS.  You said you have a new doctor now and you will DEFIANTLY mention that!  :0)  Did you look up PCOS in young women and do some printing- in case your new doc is under the same mis-impression as previous docs you've seen?
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
Well, with pituitary tumor the difference is when they see without contrast, then when they watch the contrast entering in with the dynamic MRI, they can spot the tumor.  It's done specially and separately than a general MRI of the brain.  The technique is different for that very small gland in the brain.  

One in five they say has a pituitary tumor and that gland's hormones has influence on so many areas of the body.  I don't know that they have a separate MRI for the hypothalmus, which is part of the brain as well- may just be a general brain MRI for looking at that part of the brain.  But pituitary tumors can often be missed with general brain MRIs.

Try doing a search for "PCOS in young women"- I found on that search that it's a common problem in teens and young ladies!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Nope, I am not underweight. In fact I have gained weight since last Summer. I hurt too much to workout. I haven't taken any depot shots or the contraceptive pill. Just last week I had an MRI on my brain with contrast. What is the difference without the contrast? We mentioned PCOS in August but the doctors didn't take us seriously. They said I was too young. I have a new doctor now, we will defiantly mention that. Thank you and I will keep you all posted.
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
Did they test you for Cushing's Syndrome, which can cause thinning scalp hair and lack of menstruation in women, as well as a tendency to gain weight in the abdomen and constipation?  If so, what kind of cortisol testing did they do?   Your hypothalamus regulates your temperature.  Have they ever done a pituitary dynamic MRI with and without contrast?  Have they done a scan of your hypothalamus gland?
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Basically as you know you have secondary amenorrhea or absence of periods/menstruation due to some thing. It could be due to post pill amenorrhea where periods stop because of suppression of pituitary gland in the brain by the contraceptive pills or depot shots. So this is the first thing that has to be ruled out.
If this is not the case, then other causes will have to be looked into. Then stress and anxiety is a major factor. Thyroid problems and abnormal levels of FSH, LH (this needs to be looked into), prolactin, androgen hormones or male hormones and estrogen hormones too can be the cause, but apparently has been ruled out in your case. MRI of brain may be required to rule out pituitary tumors secreting prolactin. Another major contributor is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This can be diagnosed by a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound and tests for insulin resistance. Smoking is also often associated with secondary amenorrhea and can be worse in presence of stress. Sometimes tumors of the ovaries and brain may also cause absence of menstruation. Severe anemia and malnutrition, excess weight gain or weight loss too can contribute.
Another possibility is Asherman’s Syndrome, where there is dilatation and curettage to control bleeding or infection. If you have a history, then this should be seriously considered.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Helpful - 0
1158408 tn?1290567558
Are you underweight? Being too thin, or working out too much can cause amenorrhea.
Helpful - 0
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