Absent and Infrequent Periods: What is oligomenorrhoea?

Columbia University, New York 10032, USA.

Purpose of Review

In the past year, there have been remarkable advancements in the understanding of the female athlete's pathology and in recognizing the specific needs of women participating in both recreational and competitive sports. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent developments in the field of female athletes and menstrual function. RECENT

Findings:

Although the female athletic triad, consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis, has been clinically recognized, there have been few studies quantifying the long-term effects. This review summarizes recently explored topics, including: disordered eating as a main culprit of menstrual irregularities, long-term longitudinal studies following female athletes through to retirement, and current treatment options.

Summary

Understanding the causes, profiles and the prevention of menstrual irregularities in the female athlete should help decrease its prevalence among women involved in athletics. The literature reviewed in this article stresses the importance of early detection, as well as the consequences of eating disorders, menstrual disturbances and bone loss left untreated.

Please click on the required question.

• 1 What is amenorrhoea?
• 2  What is oligomenorrhoea?
• 3  What are true and false amenorrhoea?
• 4  What is the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhoea?
• 5  Our daughter has not started her periods yet. When should we seek medical advice?
• 6  My periods have stopped. When should I seek medical advise?
• 7  My periods have stopped. How can the cause be determined?
• 8  Can generalised ill health result cause periods to stop?
• 9  I am a keen sportswoman. Could this stop my periods?
• 10 What is hyperprolactinaemia?
• 11 Which investigations are particularly helpful in finding the cause for the cessation of my periods?
• 12 What is karyotyping?
• 13 What is Turner Syndrome?
• 14 What is the testicular feminisation syndrome?
• 15 What is the resistant ovary syndrome?
• 16 What are autoantibodies?
• 17 What is premature ovarian failure (premature menopause)
• 18 What uterine abnormalities may cause amenorrhoea?
• 19 What is Asherman's syndrome?
• 20  What are the late effects of prolonged amenorrhoea?
• 21  How can my amenorrhoea be treated?
• 22  What are the risks and benefits of hormone replacement when used for premature menopause?
• 23 My periods are coming infrequently (oligomenorrhoea). What is likely to be the causes?
• 24  How are infrequent periods investigated?
• 25  How can oligomenorrhoea be treated?
• 26  If my periods are absent or infrequent, do I need contraception?
• 27  Where can I obtain more information?
• 28  Support Groups.
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  This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

  I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.