Oligomenorrhea
On average, menstruating women have a 28-day cycle (or period). Menstrual cycles can also be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days and still be considered normal and healthy. However, when cycles are infrequent and women go longer than 35 days without one, this is called oligomenorrhea.
What is oligomenorrhea?
Oligomenorrhea is characterized by infrequent menstrual bleeding. While the average woman menstruates monthly (12 times a year), oligomenorrhea patients may have as few as five or eight menstrual cycles a year.
Symptoms and warning signs of oligomenorrhea can include:
- Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days
- Acne
- Hot flashes
- Excessive facial or body hair
- Weight gain
- Infertility
Causes of oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea is most commonly linked to hormonal imbalance, but it can also be caused by infections, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment or structural problems in the uterus.
The following conditions may also be associated with oligomenorrhea:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Tumors
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
Diagnosis and testing for oligomenorrhea
A healthcare provider will perform tests to evaluate oligomenorrhea and determine any related diagnosis. These tests may include:
- Questionnaire covering family history, diet and lifestyle, medication history, etc.
- Physical exam
- Vaginal or rectovaginal exam
- Abdominal exam
- Pelvic imaging
- Blood tests
Next steps for patient
If you’d like to meet with a provider and find the best care options, it’s time to reach out to Main Line Health. Schedule a visit with a specialist today.
Treatment options for oligomenorrhea
Treatment options address specific conditions contributing to oligomenorrhea including hormonal imbalances, thyroid or pituitary dysfunction, uterine or ovarian abnormalities. These may include:
- Insulin sensitizing agents that improve insulin, reduce excess hormones and may reduce weight
- Lifestyle modification, including diet, exercise and weight control changes to reduce associated risk
- Surgery to remove hormone-triggering tumors
Hormone Therapy
Main Line Health offers hormone therapy to treat symptoms caused by menopause, premature ovarian failure and surgical removal of the ovaries.
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery can be used to treat a broad spectrum of gynecological disorders with advanced precision.