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Amenorrhea |
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Definition
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. It refers
to missing periods in a female age 16 or older.
Causes
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Imperforate hymen (the opening to the vagina is
covered by skin)
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Cervical stenosis (the cervix is closed)
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Eating Disorders: sudden weight reduction,
obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, fad dieting
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Intense exercise
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Stress
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Malnutrition
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Chronic disease, e.g., diabetes, anemia,
congenital heart disease, thyroid disease
Pituitary or hypothalamic failure
Chromosomal anomaly, e.g., Turner's Syndrome
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Ovarian dysfunction
Absence or abnormality of one or more of the
female reproductive organs
Symptoms
No menstrual flow
Screening and
Diagnostics
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Physical examination and medical history
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Urine pregnancy test
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Progesterone withdrawal
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Chromosome analysis
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Serum chemistry (serum gonadotropin)
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LH
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FSH
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Prolactin
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TSH
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T3 and T4
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Urine chemistry, 17-ketosteroids
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Head CT
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Head MRI scan
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Ultrasound, pelvic region
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Laparoscopy
Treatment
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Hormonal replacement therapy and/or other
medications
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Surgery minor and/or major
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Psychosocial counseling
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Long-term follow-up by an internist or other
medical specialist
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