Health Encyclopedia

Secondary amenorrhea

Definition

Secondary amenorrhea is lack of periods for 6 or more months in a woman who has already started menstruation and who is not pregnant, breastfeeding, or in menopause.

Alternative Names

Amenorrhea - secondary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many reasons for missing a period. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a frequent cause of secondary amenorrhea.

You are also more likely to have secondary amenorrhea if you engage in extreme and prolonged exercise, have less than 15 - 17% body fat, are obese, or take hormonal supplements.

Other causes include:

Sudden significant weight loss as seen with strict dieting or after gastric bypass surgery
Anxiety and emotional distress
Thyroid dysfunction
Brain (pituitary) tumors
Premature ovarian failure

The following drugs may also cause missed periods:

Busulfan
Chlorambucil
Cyclophosphamide
Phenothiazines
Birth control pills
Hormone therapy such as Depo-Provera

Also, procedures, such as a dilation and curettage (D and C), can lead to scar tissue formation that may cause a woman to stop menstruating. This is called Asherman syndrome.

Symptoms

Previously had one or more menstrual periods
No menstrual period for 6 months or longer

Other symptoms associated with secondary amenorrhea depend on the cause. They may include:

Headache
Galactorrhea
Considerable weight gain or weight loss
Vaginal dryness
Increased hair growth in a "male" pattern (hirsutism)
Voice changes
Breast size changes

If amenorrhea is caused by a pituitary tumor, other symptoms related to the tumor such as visual loss, may be present.

Signs and tests

A physical exam and pelvic exam must be done to rule out pregnancy. A pregnancy test will be done.

Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels. Tests may include:

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH level)
Luteinizing hormone (LH level)
Prolactin level
Serum hormone levels such as testosterone levels
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Other tests that may be performed include:

Endometrial biopsy
Genetic testing
MRI of the head
CT scan of the head

You may be referred to a psychologist if your doctor believes anxiety may be causing the condition.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the amenorrhea. Normal menstrual function usually returns after the primary disorder is treated.

For example, if the primary disorder is hypothyroidism, then amenorrhea will be cured when it is treated with thyroid supplements.

If the primary cause is obesity, vigorous athletics, weight loss, or similar factors, treatment recommendations may include a change in one's exercise routine and weight control.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on the cause. Most of the conditions that cause secondary amenorrhea will respond to treatment.

Complications

Depending on the cause, amenorrhea may be harmless, or it may be associated with overgrowth of the uterine lining, a condition called endometrial hyperplasia. This can sometimes lead to uterine cancer.

There may be other complications, depending on the cause of the amenorrhea.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your primary health care provider or OB/GYN provider if you are a woman and have missed more than one period so that the cause, and appropriate treatment, can be determined.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause. For example, moderate exercise instead of extreme exercise, weight control, and other measures may be helpful.

References

Lobo RA. Abnormal uterine bleeding: ovulatory and anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, management of acute and chronic excessive bleeding. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap. 37.

Master-Hunter T, Heiman DL. Amenorrhea: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(8):1374-1382.

Review Date:6/26/2008
Reviewed By:Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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