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Menstruation - absent

Alternative Names:

Missed periods; Lack of menses; Periods - missed; Amenorrhea

Home Care:

Treatment depends on the cause.

Call your health care provider if:

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The first step is to rule out pregnancy. This is done with a urine or blood test.

Next, the doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, which may include the following:

Tests that may be performed include:

Treatment depends on the cause of the amenorrhea. Your doctor may tell you to make lifestyle changes if the absent menstruation is due to weight changes, physical activity, or stress level. If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome or athletic amenorrhea, you may be given hormonal contraceptives to treat the problem.

If the absent menstruation is caused by another systemic disorder, normal menstrual function usually returns after the primary disorder is treated. For example, if the primary disorder is thyroid or pituitary disease, medicines will be prescribed.

Young women with primary amenorrhea that is caused by birth defects may require medicine, surgery, or both. In any case, psychosocial support and counseling for the patient and family is necessary to address specific concerns and provide guidance regarding anticipated sexual development.

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