Etiopathogenesis of Amenorrhea (Iḥtibās al-Ṭamth) in Unani medicine: A narrative review

Abstract:

Amenorrhea is defined as the cessation of menstruation. It is a significant clinical sign of reproductive dysfunction in women of childbearing age and is a leading cause of female infertility. It is a condition in which the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis fails to cause cyclic changes in the endometrium that ordinarily result in menses. Approximately 3%–4% of women suffer from amenorrhea. In primary amenorrhea, a woman has never menstruated, and in secondary amenorrhea, a woman has attained menarche but has had no periods for three consecutive months. The Unani system of medicine provides a distinctive perspective on reproductive health issues. Amenorrhea is termed as Iḥtibās al-Ṭamth in the Unani system of medicine, and it is defined as the suppression of menstruation or if it is delayed for two months. Its causes, classification, and management are described in detail in Unani medicine. In this paper, an attempt is made to highlight the types, causes, and Etiopathogenesis in both Unani and conventional medicine.