How to Diagnose Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary.

Instructions

• 1

  Advise your doctor about your menstrual history. If you are age 16 and have not yet had a menstrual period, your condition is called primary amenorrhea. If you have had regular menstrual periods in the past and now are not menstruating, the condition is called secondary amenorrhea. In secondary amenorrhea, menstrual periods must be absent for three consecutive months.

• 2

  Give your medical history to your doctor. This can be either your gynecologist or your family practitioner. Medical history such as drugs that you are taking or medical conditions that you have had in the past or currently have can help your doctor diagnose amenorrhea. Some drugs, such as some antidepressants, and some medical conditions, such as anorexia, can cause amenorrhea.

• 3

  Consent to a physical examination. In the physical examination, your doctor will look for signs of amenorrhea. These include secretions from your breasts and extra facial hair. A pelvic examination will also allow your doctor to see if there are any problems with your reproductive organs that may be related to amenorrhea.

• 4

  Allow your doctor to give you a pregnancy test. Your doctor can perform a pregnancy test in the office, either using urine or blood. Since women who are pregnant experience amenorrhea, having a pregnancy test can help your doctor understand your condition.

• 5

  Have blood work performed. Amenorrhea can be caused when hormone levels are off balance. Blood work performed by your doctor can test things such as prolactin levels, estrogen levels and thyroid function. Blood work can help your doctor diagnose your amenorrhea and its cause.