Amenorrhea Flashcards
What is the menstrual cycle controlled by?
Menstrual cycle controlled by hormones produced by the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary.
Hypothalamus produces gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Pituitary gland produces FSH and LH
Stimulates ovary to produce estrogen
After ovulation, ovary primarily produces progesterone
what is primary amenorrhea?
No menarche by age 16 with signs of pubertal development (breasts/pubic hair)
No onset on pubertal development by 14 yo
What is secondary amenorrhea?
Secondary Amenorrhea:
Absence of menstruation for 3 months or more in a previously menstruating woman of reproductive age
Absence of menstruation for 9 or more months in a woman with previous oligomenorrhea
What are common causes of primary amenorrhea?
Chromosomal abnormalities Hypothalamus abnormalities Pituitary problems Reproductive organ abnormalities Structural abnormalities Pregnancy (uncommon)
what is are the common causes of secondary amenorrhea? what is the most common?
pregnancy is most common. other causes: Thyroid abnormalities Pituitary abnormalities Medications (inc. contraceptives) Breast-feeding Stress Illness Excessive exercise/low body weight Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Premature menopause
Why should you eval a patient who has amenorrhea?
Inability to conceive - anovulation Lack of estrogen - osteoporosis excess exercise Eating disorders - life threatening Pregnancy - early care, statutory rape Pituitary tumors - life and sight threat Adrenal or ovarian tumors Psychosocial issues - related to body and menses
What info is important to gather from the patient’s history?
Menarche and menstrual history Sexual history Medications or illicit drug use Exercise - Weight Loss - Nutrition Stress Illness (chemo treatment) Genetic defects Infertility Menarche history of mother and sisters Growth delays
What labs are important for amenorrhea?
Labs: -Pregnancy test (urine/serum) -LH, FSH, Prolactin, TSH, T4, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, DHEAS and Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, PCOS/masculinizing ovarian tumors) Diagnostics: -Pelvic U/S (include transvaginal) -MRI - head
What is Turner’s Syndrome?
Turner’s Syndrome: Genetic condition occurs only in females
- 45 XO karyotype
- Neck webbing, short stature
- Congenital heart defects
- No development of ovaries
- Absence of secondary sexual characteristics - breast buds possible
How should you eval for Turner’s syndrome?
Pelvic exam
LH and FSH both HIGH
Karyotyping–> 45 XO karyotype
Pelvic U/S - reproductive organs and kidneys (see no development of ovaries)
EKG and echocardiogram (heart defects common)
What are the complications of Turner’s syndrome?
Complications:
- Heart defects – coarctation, aortic valve disease, aortic dissection
- Kidney abnormalities – horseshoe kidney
- HTN / CVD
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis
How do you treat Turner’s Syndrome?
Exogenous Estrogen
Human Growth Hormone
Describe delayed puberty:
Common - 20% Under stature and delayed bone age (wrist joint xray) Positive family history Diagnosis by exclusion and follow-up Good prognosis - late developer
Is delayed puberty a primary or secondary cause of amenorrhea?
primary
What is a good way to use diagnostic imaging to check on delayed puberty? How about history questions to ask?
can use wrist joint X-ray to examine hand
could ask about a family history
THIS IS A DIAGNOSIS OF EXCLUSION
Describe Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia:
-Inherited disorder
-Decreased cortisol and aldosterone production due to lack of enzyme needed
-Increased androgen production (male characteristics)
—>Puberty - voice deepens, facial hair
Ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes present
–>possibly ambiguous genitalia
If severe type, can be fatal in newborn
What will you see on lab results that is suggestive of Congential Adrenal hyperplasia?
- Aldosterone and cortisol levels (LOW)
- High urinary 17-ketosteroids
- Electrolyte panel (“salt wasting” - low Na+, high K+)
- Karyotyping
How do you treat Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia?
- Cortisol
- Reconstructive surgery of genitals (1-3 mo)
- Education and side effects of long-term steroid therapy
What is a Mullerian Defect?
Malformation of genital tract
absent hormone in embryonic development
What do you normally see with a Mullerian Defect?
Normal breasts, pubic hair, normal external genitalia Normal female range testosterone level Absent vagina - normal ovaries Karyotype 46-XX 15-30% skeletal and middle ear anomalies
What is the treatment for Mullerian Defect?
Treatment: Create vagina
***You may need to be aware of the skeletal and middle ear problems, could cause hearing issues or easily broken bones.
Is Mullerian Defect a Primary or Secondary amenorrhea?
primary
What is Outflow Tract Obstruction?
There are 2 types:
- Primary:
Imperforate hymen
2. Secondary: Secondary to curettage from surgery, to control heavy bleeding after delivery or abortion – “Asherman’s Syndrome” walls of uterus become adherent Cervical Stenosis Fibroids Polyps