Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea (or oligomenorrhoea) is infrequent (or, in occasional usage, very light) menstruation.^[1] More strictly, it is menstrual periods occurring at intervals of greater than 35 days, with only four to nine periods in a year.^[1] Menstrual periods should have been regularly established before the development of infrequent flow.^[1] The duration of such events may vary.^[2]

Causes

Oligomenorrhea can be a result of prolactinomas (adenomas of the anterior pituitary). It may be caused by thyrotoxicosis, hormonal changes in perimenopause, Prader–Willi syndrome, and Graves disease.

"Endurance exercises such as running or swimming can affect the reproductive physiology of women athletes. Female runners,^[3][4] swimmers^[5] and ballet dancers^[6] menstruate infrequently in comparison to nonatheletic women of comparable age^[7] 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)^[8] 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)^[9]

Breastfeeding has been linked to irregularity of menstrual cycles due to hormones that delay ovulation.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also likely to suffer from oligomenorrhea. PCOS is a condition in which excessive androgens (male sex hormones) are released by the ovaries. Women with PCOS show menstrual irregularities that range from oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea, to very heavy, irregular periods. The condition affects about 6% of premenopausal women.

Eating disorders can 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 mechanism for the menstrual dysregulation, since amenorrhea may sometimes precede substantial weight loss in some anorexics. Some researchers hypothesize that some as-yet unrecognized neuroendocrine phenomenon may be involved; the menstrual irregularities may be related to the biological undergirding of the disorders, rather than a result of nutritional deficiencies.^[10]

See also

• Amenorrhea: a total cessation of the menstrual period
• Menorrhagia: unusually heavy periods

References

1. 1 2 3 thefreedictionary.com > oligomenorrhea This dictionary is citing Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 2008
2. ↑ Berek JS, Adashi EY, Hillard PA. Novak's Gynecology (12th ed.). Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore (1996), ISBN 0-683-00593-6. 
3. ↑ Dale E, Gerlach DH, Wilhite AL (1979). "Menstrual dysfunction in distance runners". Obstet Gynecol. 54 (1): 47–53. PMID 313033. doi:10.1097/00006250-197907000-00013. 
4. ↑ Wakat DK, Sweeney KA, Rogol AD (1982). "Reproductive system function in women cross-country runners". Med Sci Sports Exerc. 14 (4): 263–9. PMID 7132642. doi:10.1249/00005768-198204000-00002. 
5. ↑ Frisch RE, Gotz-Welbergen AV, McArthur JW, et al. (1981). "Delayed menarche and amenorrhea of college athletes in relation to age of onset of training". JAMA. 246 (14): 1559–1563. PMID 7277629. doi:10.1001/jama.246.14.1559. 
6. ↑ Warren MP (1980). "The effects of exercise on pubertal progression and reproductive function in girls". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 51 (5): 1150–1157. PMID 6775000. doi:10.1210/jcem-51-5-1150. 
7. ↑ http://www.duofertility.com/en/my-fertility/medical-info/causes-of-infertility/female-infertility/ovulatory-dysfunction/egg-production/oligomenorrhea.
8. ↑ Malina RM, Spirduso WW, Tate C, Baylor AM (1978). "Age at menarche and selected menstrual characteristics in athletes at different competitive levels and in different sports". Med Sci Sports. 10 (3): 218–22. PMID 723515. 
9. ↑ Pechenik, J (2007). A Short Guide To Writing About Biology. Harrisonburg: Pearson Education, Inc.
10. ↑ Tăng Quang Thái (2011). "Khái niệm cơ bản về Kinh thưa". Vì mầm sống tương lai (3): www.drquangthai.wordpress.com.