Amenorrhea
Alternate Names : Absence of Menstrual Periods, Missed Menstrual Periods
How is the condition diagnosed?
Amenorrhea is generally not life threatening, but it may be linked to certain health problems. When a woman reports it, her doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. He or she may also recommend:
a pregnancy test
hormone tests
special blood tests if a girl has not developed breasts or pubic hair by age 14
blood tests if a girl or woman has breast discharge, headaches, vision changes, too much body hair or weight
These tests measure:
HCG hormone, which is a marker for pregnancy
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is important in regulating the menstrual cycle
estradiol level, the main estrogen in the body
thyroid function
prolactin, a hormone associated with certain tumors or thyroid gland abnormalities
chromosome abnormalities that may prevent menstruation
Some tumors of the pituitary gland may cause elevated prolactin levels. Special X-rays of the head can show tumors in the pituitary.
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