The Common Vein Copyright 2010
Definition
Amenorrhea is a lack of normal menses. A woman who has never had a menstrual period has primary amenorrhea, while a woman whose menstrual periods have ceased has secondary amenorrhea.
There are many causes of amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is usually due to a condition present at birth. The most common cause of secondary amenorrhea is pregnancy.
The common result is cessation or lack of menses.
The structural and functional changes vary depending on the cause.
Women with primary amenorrhea generally present clinically in young adulthood when they fail to undergo menarche. Women may present with secondary amenorrhea anytime between menarche and menopause.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history. Secondary amenorrhea is diagnosed after cessation of menses for >6 months.
Treatment depends on the cause found at evaluation.