Is it useful to check sex hormones if menstruation is absent?

Generally, if menstrual absence is suspected to be caused by endocrine disorders, testing sex hormones can be helpful. However, if the cause is clearly non-endocrine—such as pregnancy or intrauterine adhesions—testing only sex hormones may not identify the underlying issue and has limited diagnostic value. If concerned, it's advisable to seek medical consultation early. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If menstruation is absent and pregnancy has been ruled out, and symptoms such as long-term irregular cycles, hirsutism, acne, hot flashes, or night sweats are present, the cause is likely related to endocrine dysfunction. In such cases, testing sex hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, etc.) can accurately assess whether hormone levels are abnormal, helping to diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or ovarian insufficiency, and providing a basis for further treatment.

If amenorrhea is already confirmed to be due to pregnancy via a pregnancy test, or structural abnormalities such as intrauterine adhesions or uterine developmental anomalies are detected by ultrasound, sex hormone testing alone cannot address the core issue. Absence of menstruation during pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require sex hormone evaluation. Conditions like intrauterine adhesions require diagnosis through imaging studies or hysteroscopy. While sex hormone tests may provide supplementary information about baseline hormonal status, they cannot directly identify such structural causes and thus have relatively limited utility.

After missing a period, it is recommended to first use a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, then consult a doctor based on symptoms. Avoid self-diagnosing or undergoing unnecessary tests; following professional medical guidance ensures an efficient and accurate assessment of the issue.