Amenorrhea: Types and Causes Quiz

Definition and Types

• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age
• There are two types:
  • Primary amenorrhea: no menstrual periods by age 16
  • Secondary amenorrhea: cessation of periods after they have begun

Causes

• Hormonal imbalances:
  • Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels)
  • Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction
• Ovarian or uterine abnormalities:
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Premature ovarian failure (POF)
• Pituitary gland tumors:
  • Prolactinoma
• Thyroid disorders:
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
• Medications:
  • Birth control pills
  • Depo-Provera
• Lifestyle factors:
  • Excessive exercise
  • Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia)
  • Stress
• Other medical conditions:
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Symptoms

• Absence of menstrual periods
• May be accompanied by:
  • Weight changes
  • Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
  • Acne
  • Galactorrhea (spontaneous nipple discharge)

Diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination
• Laboratory tests:
  • Hormone levels (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin)
  • Thyroid function tests
• Imaging studies:
  • Pelvic ultrasound
  • MRI of the pituitary gland

Treatment

• Depends on underlying cause
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Medications to regulate hormone imbalances
• Surgery for pituitary gland tumors
• Lifestyle modifications:
  • Weight management
  • Stress management
  • Balanced diet

Definition and Types

• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age
• Two types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary
• Primary amenorrhea: no menstrual periods by age 16
• Secondary amenorrhea: cessation of periods after they have begun

Causes

• Hormonal imbalances: hyperprolactinemia and HPA axis dysfunction
• Ovarian or uterine abnormalities: PCOS and POF
• Pituitary gland tumors: prolactinoma
• Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Medications: birth control pills and Depo-Provera
• Lifestyle factors: excessive exercise, eating disorders, and stress
• Other medical conditions: Cushing's syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Symptoms

• Absence of menstrual periods
• Weight changes
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Acne
• Galactorrhea (spontaneous nipple discharge)

Diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination
• Laboratory tests: hormone levels (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin) and thyroid function tests
• Imaging studies: pelvic ultrasound and MRI of the pituitary gland

Treatment

• Depends on underlying cause
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Medications to regulate hormone imbalances
• Surgery for pituitary gland tumors
• Lifestyle modifications: weight management, stress management, and balanced diet