Amenorhoea & oligomenorrhoea

Question 1

Define Amenorrhoea

Define Primary & Secondary amenorrhoea

Answer 1

Absence of menstruation
Primary - not started by 16 (may be manifestation of delayed puberty [2ndary sexual characteristics not present by 14])
Secondary - menstruation ceases for 6months

Question 2

Define oligomenorrhoea

Answer 2

Menstruation occurs every 35 days to 6 months

Question 3

Outline the physiological causes of amenorrhoea

Answer 3

Pregnancy
Post-menopause
Lactation (usually)

Question 4

Outline the pathological causes of amenorrhoea

Answer 4

Hypothalamic hypogonadism

Hyperprolactinaemia

Question 5

For hypothalamis hypogonadism, outline;

• Causes
• Hormone levels
• Treatment

Answer 5

Causes;
- Psychological factors
- Low weight & excessive exercise
- Tumours
Hormone levels;
- GnRH reduced, and therefor LH & oestradiol
Treatment;
- Oestrogen replacement (+ progesterone for endometrial production) [COC or HRT]