What may cause of amenorrhoea?
A full medical history, clinical examination and appropriate investigations are organised with particular reference to the possible causes of amenorrhoea (Table 6.1). A family history of premature menopause or autoimmune disease (Q12.17) may focus attention on these areas. Your doctor will wish to know whether there is an associated infertility problem or need for contraception as this will influence management. Table 6. 1 Some of the more frequent causes of amenorrhoea: System or organ Pathology Question Number Physiological (natural) (Pre-puberty, pregnancy, lactation and menopause 6.1 Generalised ill health Stress 6.8 Weight loss e.g. anorexia 6.8 Diabetes 7.3 Thyroid disease 24.9 T.B. 20.12 Pituitary / Hypothalamus Hyperprolactinaemia 6.10 Gonads (usually ovaries) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 7.2 Hormone secreting tumours 8.9 Turner’s Syndrome 6.13 Testicular Feminisation 6.14 Resistant Ovary Syndrome 6.15 BSO (Removal of both ovaries) 24.23 Uterus Congenital Absence 3.3 Hysterectomy
