Absent and Infrequent Periods

Absent and Infrequent Periods: What is oligomenorrhoea?

A full medical history, clinical examination and appropriate investigations are organised with particular reference to the possible causes of amenorrhoea (Table 6.1). A family history of premature menopause or autoimmune disease (Q12.17) may focus attention on these areas. Your doctor will wish to know whether there is an associated infertility problem or need for contraception as this will influence management.

Table 6. 1 Some of the more frequent causes of amenorrhoea:

System or organ	Pathology	Question Number
Physiological (natural)	(Pre-puberty, pregnancy, lactation and menopause	6.1
Generalised ill health	Stress	6.8
	Weight loss e.g. anorexia	6.8
	Diabetes	7.3
	Thyroid disease	24.9
	T.B.	20.12
Pituitary / Hypothalamus	Hyperprolactinaemia	6.10
Gonads (usually ovaries)	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome	7.2
	Hormone secreting tumours	8.9
	Turner's Syndrome	6.13
	Testicular Feminisation	6.14
	Resistant Ovary Syndrome	6.15
	BSO (Removal of both ovaries)	24.23
Uterus	Congenital Absence	3.3
	Hysterectomy	24.22
	Asherman's Syndrome	6.18
Vagina	Imperforate Hymen	6.4
	Congenital Absence	3.3

Please click on the required question.

Q 6. 1 What is amenorrhoea?
Q 6. 2  What is oligomenorrhoea?
Q 6. 3  What are true and false amenorrhoea?
Q 6. 4  What is the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhoea?
Q 6. 5  Our daughter has not started her periods yet. When should we seek medical advice?
Q 6. 6  My periods have stopped. When should I seek medical advise?
Q 6. 7  My periods have stopped. How can the cause be determined?
Q 6. 8  Can generalised ill health result cause periods to stop?
Q 6. 9  I am a keen sportswoman. Could this stop my periods?
Q 6. 10 What is hyperprolactinaemia?
Q 6. 11 Which investigations are particularly helpful in finding the cause for the cessation of my periods?
Q 6. 12 What is karyotyping?
Q 6. 13 What is Turner Syndrome?
Q 6. 14 What is the testicular feminisation syndrome?
Q 6. 15 What is the resistant ovary syndrome?
Q 6. 16 What are autoantibodies?
Q 6. 17 What is premature ovarian failure (premature menopause)
Q 6. 18 What uterine abnormalities may cause amenorrhoea?
Q 6. 19 What is Asherman's syndrome?
Q 6. 20  What are the late effects of prolonged amenorrhoea?
Q 6. 21  How can my amenorrhoea be treated?
Q 6. 22  What are the risks and benefits of hormone replacement when used for premature menopause?
Q 6. 23 My periods are coming infrequently (oligomenorrhoea). What is likely to be the causes?
Q 6. 24  How are infrequent periods investigated?
Q 6. 25  How can oligomenorrhoea be treated?
Q 6. 26  If my periods are absent or infrequent, do I need contraception?
Q 6. 27  Where can I obtain more information?
Q 6. 28  Support Groups.

Anorexia Nervosa

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The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
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