Secondary amenorrhea
Secondary amenorrhea
Secondary amenorrhea (pronounced: uh-men-uh-REE-uh) is a medical condition in which a woman who has been menstruating normally stops getting her monthly period for three or more months.
Etymology
The term "amenorrhea" is derived from the Greek words "a" meaning "not", "men" meaning "month", and "rhoia" meaning "flow". "Secondary" is used to differentiate this condition from primary amenorrhea, where menstruation never starts at all.
Causes
Secondary amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, menopause, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea. Other potential causes include stress, significant weight loss or gain, and certain medications.
Symptoms
The main symptom of secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. Depending on the cause, a woman may also experience other symptoms such as weight gain or loss, hair loss, acne, and changes in breast size.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of secondary amenorrhea typically involves a physical examination, a review of the patient's medical history, and various tests to rule out pregnancy, menopause, and other potential causes. These tests may include a pregnancy test, blood tests to check hormone levels, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment
Treatment for secondary amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. It may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases, surgery. For example, if the condition is caused by PCOS, treatment may involve medication to regulate the menstrual cycle and lifestyle changes to manage weight and reduce insulin resistance.
Related Terms
- Primary amenorrhea
- Menstrual cycle
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Secondary amenorrhea
- Wikipedia's article - Secondary amenorrhea
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