Absent and Infrequent Periods: What is oligomenorrhoea?

Some women normally have long cycles. We consider a cycle of 35 days duration to be normal. Most of the causes of secondary amenorrhoea (amenorrhoea causes) can also result in infrequent periods (oligomenorrhoea). Whereas polycystic ovary syndrome only accounts for about 25% of amenorrhoea, it is found more frequently with oligomenorrhoea about 90%. Other causes include weight change (particularly diet related weight loss), stress (e.g. exams or bereavement), frequent strenuous exercise, some medications (particularly antidepressants), progestogen-only pills (Q14. 4) or the LNG-intrauterine system (Mirena). Periods tend to be less frequent before the menopause. Chronic ill-health from any cause may be associated with decreased or absent periods.

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

Do you have an unanswered women's health question?

Please let us have your general question on our NEW FORUM / MESSAGE BOARDS facility and we will try to answer it for you. I am sure that you will appreciate that we cannot offer advice on the management of an individual's specific problem.

Please subscribe to receive our FREE women's health newsletter.

STAY UP TO DATE on the important issues affecting YOUR HEALTH.

First Name:

Family Name:

Email:

Profession:

Country:

Age:

DISCLAIMER

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.