MRKH Syndrome Occurs in 1 out of Every 5,000 Women
Reproductive Organs Grow with Continuous Hormone Therapy
A woman in her 20s who was born without a uterus and has never had a period has gained hope for pregnancy through continuous hormone treatment, the British daily The Sun reported on the 30th.
Ashley Riley (21), who lives in Heron, Queensland, Australia, visited a hospital five years ago when she reached puberty but did not have her period. The news she received at the hospital was shocking. She was told that she had no reproductive organs such as the cervix and uterus, and that sex hormones were not produced by her ovaries. In addition, she had only one kidney.
The diagnosis was 'MRKH syndrome' (Mayer-Rokitansky-K?ster-Hauser). It is a congenital condition in which the uterus is absent or underdeveloped, occurring in about one in 5,000 women. Although there is no menstruation, the external secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and pubic hair, are normal and fully developed, and the external genitalia appear normal.
The doctor prescribed hormone replacement therapy to induce Ashley's menstruation. Although she still does not have periods, a recent ultrasound examination revealed that half of her cervix and uterus have developed. If these two organs continue to grow, she will be able to have periods and even children.
Ashley said, "It is still a confusing situation, but I am thrilled that my uterus is developing more and that I might have my first period like others."
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