Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods, defined as one or more missed periods, in women of reproductive age. Girls age 16 and older who have gone through the symptoms of puberty but have not begun menstruating have primary amenorrhea. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have secondary amenorrhea.                        

Pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhea, and some types of birth control can cause it. Other causes include a lack of certain reproductive organs and an imbalance in the glands that help regulate hormone levels. Excessive stress, weight loss, or exercise also can cause amenorrhea, as can corticosteroids. Amenorrhea often can be resolved by treating the underlying cause. Treatments vary but can include hormone therapy and surgery.

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women’s health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.

Care Providers

Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Brian Gleason, MD Gynecology Kim Hoover, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Tom Howard, MD Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Medical Oncology, Pediatrics Todd Jenkins, MD Gynecology Chere' Stewart, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Audra Williams, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Ashley Wright, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology

Resources

• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Menstruation
• Amenorrhea

Related Specialties

• OBGYN Services
  Women & Infants Services