Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Women’s health
CPD
Complete 1.5 CPD hours

Investigating primary and secondary amenorrhoea

Michelle Wellman
Go To
CPD
Abstract
Most cases of amenorrhoea can be evaluated by taking a careful history, performing a physical examination and measuring hormone levels. Diagnostic imaging is useful in some women. Correction A correction for this article was published in the December 2015 issue of Medicine Today. The full text PDF for this article (see link above) has been corrected.
Key Points
  • Amenorrhoea is often physiological and readily apparent, related to pregnancy, lactation or menopause, and further investigation is not necessary.
  • Most cases of nonphysiological amenorrhoea are due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinaemia, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or hypothalamic amenorrhoea.
  • Specialist referral is essential for women presenting with primary amenorrhoea, Asherman’s syndrome and POI.
  • PCOS is common and can be managed in general practice, with referral for management of infertility if necessary.
  • Girls presenting with primary amenorrhoea are more likely to have a chromosomal or anatomical abnormality than older women.
  • Amenorrhoea in younger women is often accompanied by considerable anxiety regarding fertility; counselling may be required.

    Picture credit: © LuckyBusiness/Deposit Photos.

Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?