Alton Street Surgery Patient Information Leaflet

Amenorrhoea

What is amenorrhoea?
The term amenorrhoea means the absence of periods. There are two types - primary, where menstruation has never started, and secondary, where menstruation has ceased.

What causes primary amenorrhoea?
Girls do not start to menstruate until they are sexually mature at puberty. In the western world, this is usually around the age of 10 to 14, with the average age being 12, and the vast majority of girls will have started to menstruate by the age of 16. The term primary amenorrhoea is only used when there is delay in commencing menstruation past the age of 16. Causes include:

* Low body weight.
* Eating disorders.
* Exercising excessively.
* Abnormalities of the reproductive organs.
* Disorders of the endocrine system.
* Chromosomal disorders.

How is primary amenorrhoea treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Referral to a specialist may be necessary if it is suspected there is an abnormality of the reproductive organs, or that there is a chromosomal abnormality or disorder of the endocrine system.

What causes secondary amenorrhoea?
By far the most common cause of secondary amenorrhoea is pregnancy. Other causes include:

* Premature menopause.

* Weight loss or gain.
* Eating disorders.
* Exercising excessively.
* Some medications, including hormonal contraceptives.
* Drug abuse.
* Hormonal imbalances.
* Polycystic ovaries.
* Stress.

How is secondary amenorrhoea treated?
Once pregnancy has been excluded, treatment depends on the cause. Referral to a specialist may be needed.

This patient information leaflet has been adapted from an original published by Clinnix Pro, Synigence PLC