Etymed
amenorrhea
Definition
absence of menstruation
Clinical context
A 25-year-old woman presents to her gynecologist complaining of primary amenorrhea. She has never had a menstrual period despite reaching puberty with normal breast development and pubic hair growth. Her physical examination reveals no abnormalities, and laboratory studies show elevated FSH levels. This presentation suggests a diagnosis of Turner syndrome. A 30-year-old woman presents with secondary amenorrhea for 6 months. She has a history of polycystic ovary syndrome and has been taking oral contraceptives for the past 2 years. Her pregnancy test is negative, and her hormone levels show elevated LH and FSH with low estradiol levels.
Mnemonic
Amenorrhea - A for Absence, M for Menstruation, E for Endocrine, N for No periods, O for Ovarian, R for Reproductive, R for Regulation, H for Hormonal, E for Estrogen, A for Amenorrhea