title: Post pill amenorrhoea--how much of a problem?
abstract: Presumably, post-Pill amenorrhoea reflects a mechanism whereby a hypothalamus "switched off" by the Pill does not switch on again when therapy is stopped. In Australia the incidence of post-Pill amenorrhoea appears to be in the vicinity of 1 in 200 for a six months duration and 1 in 400 for over 12 months. The only clearly defined feature of women who are likely to develop the syndrome is previous cycle irregularity--cycles consistently longer than 35 days. There is indication that nullipara and women with gross weight fluctuation may also be more likely to be affected. In management, skull X-ray is mandatory and if galactorrhoea is present, serum prolactin can be of diagnostic importance. Otherwise, the deciding factor is whether there is a desire or not for pregnancy.
mesh_terms: D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D002996:Clomiphene