Oligomenorrhea

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Oligomenorrhea Classification and external resources
ICD-10	N91.5
ICD-9	626.1
DiseasesDB	14843

Oligomenorrhea is the medical term for infrequent or light menstrual periods in women of child-bearing age.

Oligomenorrhea can also be a result of prolactinomas (adenomas of the anterior pituitary). It may also be caused by thyrotoxicosis, hormonal changes in perimenopause, and Graves disease. "Endurance exercises such as running or swimming can affect the reproductive physiology of women athletes. Female runners (Dale et al., 1979; Wakat et al., 1982) swimmers (Frisch et al., 1981), and ballet dancers (Warren,1980) menstruate infrequently in comparison to nonatheletic women of comparable age or not at all (amenorrhea). The degree of menstrual abnormality is directly proportional to the intensity of the exercise. For example, Malina et al., (1978) have shown menstrual irregularity is more common, and more severe among tennis players than among golfers" (modified by a student paper written by A. Lord)¹

Eating disorders can also result in oligomenorrhea. Although menstrual disorders are most strongly associated with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa may also result in oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. There is some controversy regarding the exact mechanism for the menstrual dysregulation, since amenorrhea may sometimes precede substantial weight loss in some anorexics; thus some researchers hypothesize that some as-yet unrecognized neuroendocrine phenomenon may be involved, and the menstrual irregularities may be related to the biological undergirding of the disorders, rather than a result of nutritional deficiencies.

[edit] References

1. Pechenik, J (2007). A Short Guide To Writing About Biology. Harrisonburg: Pearson Education, Inc..

[edit] See also

• amenorrhea, a total cessation of the menstrual period
• menorrhagia, which is unusually heavy periods

[edit] External links

• Penn State

v • d • e Diseases of the pelvis, genitals and breasts (N40-N99, 600-629) Inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs Pelvic inflammatory disease: Salpingitis · Oophoritis · Hydrosalpinx · Parametritis · Vaginitis · Vulvitis Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract Endometriosis (Adenomyosis) · prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Urethrocele) obstetric fistulae (Vesicovaginal fistula, Rectovaginal fistula) Ovarian cyst · Endometrial polyp · Retroverted uterus · Asherman's syndrome · Hematometra · Leukorrhea menstruation (Amenorrhoea, Oligomenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Menometrorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea) intercourse (Dyspareunia, Vaginismus) · Mittelschmerz Atrophic vaginitis · Habitual abortion · Female infertility (Anovulation) · Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Diseases of male genital organs prostate: Benign prostatic hyperplasia · Prostatitis testicle/epididymis: Hydrocele testis · Spermatocele · Testicular torsion · Orchitis · Epididymitis · Male infertility (Azoospermia, Oligospermia) penis: Phimosis · Balanoposthitis · Balanitis · Priapism · Sexual dysfunction (Erectile dysfunction) · Peyronie's disease Hematospermia · Retrograde ejaculation Disorders of breast Chronic cystic mastitis · Mastitis · Gynecomastia · Galactorrhea · Mastodynia · Nipple discharge · Galactocele · Ptosis See also congenital conditions (Q50-Q56, 752)