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Chapter 53 Amenorrhea
Erica L. Borman, DO
❍ Define primary amenorrhea.
No menses by age 14 in the absence of growth or development of secondary sexual characteristics.
or
No menses by age 16 with the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.
❍ Define secondary amenorrhea.
In a menstruating women, the absence of menstruation for three previous cycle intervals or 6 months.
❍ What is the maximum number of oogonia reached in a female’s life cycle?
6 to 7 million at 16 to 20 weeks’ gestation.
❍ What general compartments are evaluated for diagnosis in cases of amenorrhea?
Compartment I: Disorders of the outflow tract or uterus.
Compartment II: Disorders of the ovary.
Compartment III: Disorders of the anterior pituitary.
Compartment IV: Disorders of the hypothalamus (CNS factors).
❍ What is the number one cause of secondary amenorrhea after pregnancy?
Anovulation (28%).