What health risk can result from amenorrhea in women?

Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, can have significant long-term health implications for women, one of which is a higher risk of osteoporosis. This condition is primarily linked to lower estrogen levels. Regular menstrual cycles are indicative of normal estrogen production, which is crucial for maintaining bone density and strength. When amenorrhea occurs, especially if it is related to factors such as significant weight loss, excessive exercise, or hormonal imbalances, it can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels. Over time, insufficient estrogen contributes to bone loss and increases the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

In contrast, the other options don't correlate directly with amenorrhea in the way osteoporosis does. For example, amenorrhea does not inherently lead to increased fertility; in fact, it often indicates a lack of ovulation. While amenorrhea may have some influence on cardiovascular health, the direct and more significant risk is associated with bone health due to estrogen deficiency. Liver dysfunction is not typically a direct result of amenorrhea but may coincide with various underlying health conditions that cause amenorrhea rather than being a direct effect of the absence of menstruation.