6 Questions
What is the definition of primary amenorrhea?
No menstrual periods by age 16
Which of the following is a hormonal cause of amenorrhea?
Hyperprolactinemia
What is a common symptom of amenorrhea?
Hirsutism
Which of the following diagnostic tests may be used to diagnose amenorrhea?
Pelvic ultrasound
What is a lifestyle factor that can contribute to amenorrhea?
Excessive exercise
What is a possible treatment for amenorrhea due to hormonal imbalances?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Study Notes
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
This quiz covers the definition, types, and causes of amenorrhea, including primary and secondary amenorrhea, hormonal imbalances, and ovarian or uterine abnormalities.
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