Amenorrhea
absent periods
Primary amenorrhea
Failure to start menstruation by 16
Secondary
Most common cause of primary amenorrhoea?
*
Secondary amenorrhea causes x2
Problem with HPG axis
outlflow problem

Diagnosing amenorrhoea
16 yo Beth visits the GP concerned about having irregular periods for a year and subsequent amenorrhoea for 6 months. She’s also noticed weight gain, more facial hair, and is feeling insecure about it. what are the differential
Gonadal: PCOS, ovarian cancers
Adrenal: Adrenal cortical adenoma/ adrenal hyperplasia
Pituitary: Pituitary tumours, also causing Cushing’s syndrome, gigantism or acromegaly
External sources: Abuse of Anabolic sterorids
Hirsutism
– excessive, male pattern hair growth in women / pre-pub boys
Hirsutism causes
Increased level of male hormones or oversensitivity of hair follicles to hormones
What is the term for excessive, non male pattern hair growth?

The GP highly suspects that Beth has PCOS. What can she do to confirm the diagnosis?
blood test
US of ovaries
what is PCOS
hyperandronism causes
cyst and hirsutism
PCOS LH/FSH blood test results
Insulin resistance
management of insulin resistance
Diagnosis of PCOS made based on exclusion
2 out of 3
• Chronic Anovulation- History
summary of menstrual cycle

difference between hormonal interactions in PCOS to normal
insuffieicnt FSH to stimulate granulosa cells

PCOS can also cause depression in women. The GP guides Beth through a self- assessment questionnaire and determines she has a mild form of depression. What are the three core symptoms of depression?
treatment for PCOS
COCP
what is a herbal remedy which will reduce the effectiveness of the COCP