What is the cause of primary amenorrhea in a 14-year-old girl with no secondary sexual characteristics and a normal uterus?

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Differential Diagnosis for Primary Amenorrhea

The patient's presentation of primary amenorrhea, lack of breast development, and absence of pubic hair suggests a disorder of puberty. The following differential diagnoses are considered:

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Hypothalamic amenorrhea: This condition is characterized by a lack of GnRH secretion, leading to decreased FSH and LH levels, and subsequently, no estrogen production. The patient's low height and weight percentiles may indicate a nutritional deficiency or excessive exercise, which can contribute to hypothalamic amenorrhea. The absence of breast development and pubic hair also supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Constitutional delay: Given the patient's age and family history of menarche at 13, a constitutional delay in puberty is possible. However, the lack of any breast development or pubic hair makes this less likely.
    • Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: This condition is characterized by elevated FSH and LH levels, indicating gonadal dysfunction. However, the patient's ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a uterus, making this diagnosis less likely.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Androgen insensitivity syndrome: Although rare, this condition can present with primary amenorrhea and lack of pubic hair. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potential disorder of sex development.
    • Pituitary or hypothalamic tumor: A tumor in the pituitary or hypothalamus can disrupt GnRH secretion, leading to amenorrhea. Although unlikely, it is crucial to rule out this possibility due to the potential for serious consequences if left untreated.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Turner syndrome: Although the patient's ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a uterus, making this diagnosis less likely, it is still essential to consider Turner syndrome, especially given the patient's short stature.
    • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This condition can present with primary amenorrhea, but it is typically associated with other symptoms such as virilization, which are not present in this patient.
    • Gonadal dysgenesis: This condition can cause primary amenorrhea, but it is often associated with other abnormalities, such as streak gonads, which are not indicated in this patient's presentation.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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