What is the term for amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)?

From the Guidelines

The term for missed periods or lack of menstruation is amenorrhea. This condition is classified as primary amenorrhea when a person has never had a menstrual period by age 15-16, or secondary amenorrhea when periods stop for three or more consecutive months in someone who previously had regular menstruation. Common causes include pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), excessive exercise, significant weight loss, stress, thyroid disorders, or certain medications.

Key Points to Consider

• Amenorrhea does not require any medical treatment, but it is essential to provide reassurance and consider ruling out pregnancy if clinically indicated 1.
• If amenorrhea persists and the woman finds it unacceptable, counseling her on alternative contraceptive methods and offering another method if desired is recommended 1.
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle modifications, hormone therapy, or addressing specific medical conditions.
• If you experience amenorrhea, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, as it can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

Evaluation and Management

• Assessment of irregular menses should include a menstrual history, physical examination, and laboratory assessment to rule out other gynaecological pathologies 1.
• More extensive testing might include a pelvic ultrasound and endometrial sampling to rule out other gynaecological pathologies.
• It is essential to prioritize the evaluation and management of amenorrhea to rule out potential health concerns and ensure appropriate management, as persistent absence of menstruation can have significant effects on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

From the FDA Drug Label

Progesterone capsules are used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in women who have previously had a menstrual period) due to a decrease in progesterone The term for missed periods or lack of menstrual periods is secondary amenorrhea 2.

• This condition occurs when a woman who has previously had a menstrual period stops having periods.
• It can be caused by a decrease in progesterone levels.

From the Research

Definition of Missed Periods or Lack of Menstruation

• The term for missed periods or lack of menstruation is referred to as amenorrhea 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Amenorrhea can be classified into two types: primary amenorrhea, which is the absence of menarche at the age of 16, and secondary amenorrhea, which is the cessation of menses for at least 6 months in already cycling women 3, 6.

Causes of Amenorrhea

• Amenorrhea can be caused by various factors, including anatomical defects of the genital organs, endocrine dysfunctions, and ovarian malfunction 3.
• Other causes of amenorrhea include hyperprolactinaemic amenorrhea, hypogonadotrophic amenorrhea, hypergonadotrophic amenorrhea, and normogonadotrophic amenorrhea 3, 4.
• Amenorrhea can also be associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age 3, 4, 6.

Diagnosis and Management of Amenorrhea

• The diagnosis of amenorrhea involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies 3, 4, 6.
• The management of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and may involve hormonal therapy, ovulation induction, and lifestyle modifications 3, 4, 6.
• In some cases, amenorrhea may require long-term treatment, and patients may need to be monitored for potential complications such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease 4, 6.