What is the primary cause of primary amenorrhea?

Prepare for the Reproductive Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to confidently approach your exam.

Primary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation by the age of 15 in females who have developed secondary sexual characteristics or by age 13 in those who have not. The most common primary cause associated with this condition is genetic abnormalities. Among these abnormalities, Turner syndrome is one of the most notable examples, which is characterized by the absence or structural abnormalities of one of the two X chromosomes. This genetic issue often leads to various developmental and hormonal problems that can prevent the onset of menstruation.

While hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition can contribute to secondary amenorrhea, they are less common causes of primary amenorrhea. Hormonal imbalances, for example, are often a result of underlying conditions rather than a primary reason for the absence of menstruation from the start. Similarly, excessive exercise and poor nutrition typically affect women who have already begun menstruating, leading to changes in their menstrual cycle rather than preventing it altogether from the onset. Thus, genetic abnormalities stand out as the most significant and direct cause of primary amenorrhea.

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