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Secondary amenorrhea
Definition:
Secondary amenorrhea is a condition in which menstruation begins at the appropriate age, but later stops for 6 or more months for reasons not due to pregnancy, lactation, or menopause. See also: Text Continues Below
Menstruation - Absent Primary amenorrhea Alternative Names:
Amenorrhea - secondary Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
About 4% of women have secondary amenorrhea. There are many reasons for missing a period. You are at an increased risk of secondary amenorrhea if you engage in extreme and prolonged exercise (particularly without adequate conditioning), have less than 15 - 17%, are obese, or take hormonal supplements. Anxiety and emotional distress can also cause a missed period. The following drugs may also cause missed periods: - Busulfan
- Chlorambucil
- Cyclophosphamide
- Phenothiazines
- Oral contraceptives
- Non-oral contraceptives such as Depo-Provera
Also, procedures such as a dilation and curettage (D and C) can cause a woman to develop amenorrhea if scar tissue develops within the uterine cavity. References:
Stenchever MA, Droegemueller W, Herbst AR. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001:1109-1119.
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