Absent and Infrequent Periods

Absent and Infrequent Periods: Automantibodies

The body's immune system (Q3.1) generally produces antibodies to counter foreign antigens (e.g. viruses). There are some clinical condition characterised by the body producing antibodies against its own tissues autoimmune diseases. It is believed that these autoantibodies are triggered by the production of antibodies by the immune system to counter bacteria or viruses and that these antibodies by misfortune may also cross-react with the body's own tissues if part of their chemistry is similar to that of the virus or bacterium. Premature menopause can be associated with autoantibodies and appropriate investigations may, therefore, provide an explanation although they do not alter the management options.

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.
Thank you for your visiting us at 2womenshealth.com.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.
I do hope that you find the answers to your questions in the patient information and medical advice provided. If you still have unanswered questions, please consider entering them into one of our forums and I will try to assist you.