What does secondary amenorrhea mean?

In daily life, many women experience secondary amenorrhea due to various factors. Causes of secondary amenorrhea include psychological trauma, environmental changes, and certain medical conditions. But what exactly is secondary amenorrhea?

What Is Secondary Amenorrhea?

Secondary amenorrhea refers to the cessation of menstruation for six months or longer in a woman who previously had established regular menstrual cycles—or for three consecutive cycles beyond her usual cycle length. Numerous factors can cause secondary amenorrhea; the most common include premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and other endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, and hypothyroidism. Patients with secondary amenorrhea often exhibit clinical signs and symptoms associated with endocrine imbalance.

Diagnosis can be confirmed through laboratory testing—including measurement of six key sex hormones, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and thyroid function tests—enabling targeted treatment. Additionally, severe endometrial damage, intrauterine adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome), or cervical canal adhesions may also lead to secondary amenorrhea. In such cases, patients typically have a history of intrauterine surgical procedures. Severe systemic illnesses—including anemia and catabolic diseases—may likewise contribute.

In daily life, married women should undergo annual gynecological examinations to help prevent disease onset and facilitate early detection and timely intervention—thereby preventing disease progression. We hope this information is helpful to you.