AMENORRHOEA PROFILE

Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstruation.

In females before puberty, during pregnancy and lactation or during and after the menopause, this is normal and described as Physiological amenorrhoea.

Primary amenorrhoea is the initial failure of menstruation. It is regarded as abnormal if a girl has not started secondary sexual development and menstruation by the age of 14, or if a girl with normal secondary sexual characteristics has not started menstruation by the age of 16.

Secondary amenorrhoea is the absence of menstruation for six consecutive months in a woman who previously had regular periods (excluding Physiological amenorrhoea). 10 - 20 per cent of women complaining of infertility have amenorrhoea. Up to 50% of competitive long-distance runners (running 80 miles per week) and up to 44% of ballet dancers have amenorrhoea.