Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea (pronounced: oh-lig-oh-men-or-ree-uh) is a medical term that refers to infrequent or very light menstruation in women of reproductive age.
Etymology
The term "Oligomenorrhea" is derived from the Greek words "oligos" meaning "few", "meno" meaning "month", and "rhea" meaning "flow".
Definition
Oligomenorrhea is characterized by menstrual periods that occur more than 35 days apart, with only four to nine periods in a year. The duration of bleeding is usually less than two days.
Causes
The most common causes of Oligomenorrhea include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, and premature ovarian failure. Other potential causes can be related to lifestyle factors such as stress, excessive exercise, and significant weight loss or gain.
Symptoms
In addition to infrequent periods, symptoms of Oligomenorrhea may include hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and potential difficulties with fertility.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Oligomenorrhea is typically based on the patient's menstrual history, physical examination, and may also involve blood tests to measure hormone levels. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to examine the ovaries and uterus.
Treatment
Treatment for Oligomenorrhea is usually aimed at addressing the underlying cause. This may involve lifestyle modifications, hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, or in some cases, surgery.
Related Terms
- Amenorrhea: The absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age.
- Menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Metrorrhagia: Bleeding from the uterus that is not associated with menstruation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oligomenorrhea
- Wikipedia's article - Oligomenorrhea
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