MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Secondary amenorrhea

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Secondary amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea is the cessation of menstrual flow for a period of 6 months or more in the absence of pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. Extreme weight gain or loss, certain medications, as well as anxiety can be the root cause of amenorrhea. Treatment can range from behavior modification for excessive exercise to medication to surgery in the presence of disease.

Update Date: 9/14/2006

Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; G. Eric Morgan, MS3; RxRemedy and A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team.

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