Month: January 2021

Primary Amenorrhea – Absence of period even after 15

Posted on January 28, 2021   by   - Blog

Absence of Periods even after 15

The menstrual period occurs between 11-15 years. Primary Amenorrhea can be stated as the:

  • absence of period by the age of 15 in the presence of other secondary sexual characteristics in a girl
  • when no secondary sexual characteristics like breast development has occurred by the age of 13 years in a girl.

It is not the same as missing the periods for a long duration. Causes for Primary Amenorrhea include:

  • Chromosomal or Genetic problems like Turner syndrome (absence of one of the 2X chromosomes), Gonadal dysgenesis.
  • Any medical issues that may have affected the ovaries.
  • Structural problem with the reproductive organs, i.e. like an obstruction in the vagina or the absence or failure of proper development of certain reproductive organs by birth (Müllerian defects).
  • Very low or high body weight.
  • Eating disorder: anorexia, bulimia
  • Malnutrition
  • PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Any heart diseases
  • Hormonal causes

 Diagnosis for Primary Amenorrhea

  • MRI – for identifying if there are any issues with the pituitary gland.
  • Lab tests – Thyroid function test, Ovary function test, Prolactin test, Male hormone test.
  • Ultrasound or CT scans to identify any abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

Treatment for Primary Amenorrhea

The treatment is based on the cause for primary amenorrhea. This is not a disease instead is displaying an underlying issue that needs to be corrected. The main goal will be to start menstruation.

  • For genetic issues or any abnormalities in anatomy or presence of a tumor, surgery is usually suggested.
  • Hormone therapy consisting of estrogen and progestin.

What are the effects of Primary Amenorrhea?

Infertility is a complication of Primary Amenorrhea. Another risk is developing osteoporosis later in life. Always keep a track of the changes that occur in a girl after she has crossed 11 years. Any delay in the attainment of mensuration or development of secondary sexual characteristics must be noted and must be diagnosed as we need to determine the underlying cause and work to rectify it as early as possible.

For more details, kindly contact us.

 

Nausea during pregnancy

Posted on January 27, 2021   by   - Blog

Nausea during pregnancy

Nausea is very common in most pregnancies and it mostly exists in the first trimester. In some cases, it vanishes by the completion of three months but for some, it may last for the entire pregnancy. Some pregnant women do not experience it at all.

During pregnancy, your sense of smell is heightened due to which there are chances of developing strong aversions to certain smells or tastes. It is most commonly experienced when you wake up in the morning, hence the name ‘morning sickness’ but it can be present at any time of the day.

Causes for nausea or vomiting during pregnancy

  • The rising levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and progesterone are associated with cause for nausea.
  • Pregnant with twins or multiples as the HCG levels in these cases will be higher.
  • If you have had a sensitive stomach before pregnancy.
  • If you are prone to migraines.

 

Treatment or remedies for morning sickness

  • If possible, try to avoid factors that trigger nausea.
  • Eat small meals frequently (around six meals) rather than having three big meals. Avoid having an empty stomach which can cause acidity which can trigger nausea.
  • Try meditation and visualization.
  • In the morning get up slowly and not in a rush, try to have a small snack like a salty biscuit or cracker even before you brush your teeth.
  • Include food or drinks that have ginger. Ginger tablets and syrup are helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting.
  • Increase your fluid intake, sip on water or can suck on ice.
  • You may check with the doctor for any medication to reduce nausea.
  • Medication to reduce acid reflux.
  • Exercise moderately or go walking. Try getting some fresh air.
  • Avoid or reduce food that is spicy or fatty.
  • Have Vitamin B6 supplements and multivitamins but never on empty stomach (after consulting with your doctor).
  • For some, the acupressure wrist bands help to give slight relief from nausea.

Hyperemesis gravidarum

If the sickness and vomiting occurs excessively and you are losing your body weight, then it is known as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’. The symptoms are:

  • if are losing more than 5% of your body weight
  • not able to drink any form of fluid or have any food.
  • when blood is present in your vomit.
  • passing dark urine or lesser frequency in urinating due to dehydration
  • high body temperature
  • feeling dizzy
  • low blood pressure

 

The chances of having it is more if you have had it in your previous pregnancy or if it runs in your family. Hyperemesis gravidarum can also be a sign of Molar pregnancy. Hence if you are experiencing these symptoms it is very important to consult your doctor to avoid complications. You may be admitted to the hospital so the doctors can access and try to help manage it. You may be given IV fluid to keep yourself rehydrated. Certain blood tests may also be taken to check if you are anemic or malnourished.

Mild morning sickness is not much to worry about and will not have any side effects on fetal growth. But if you continue to experience nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy it can be a sign of preeclampsia, you will need to speak to your doctor. To know more kindly contact us.