Clinical review: Adolescent anovulation: maturational mechanisms and implications.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Adolescents are at high risk for menstrual dysfunction. The diagnosis of anovulatory disorders that may have long-term health consequences is too often delayed.

Evidence acquisition

A review of the literature in English was conducted, and data were summarized and integrated from the author's perspective.

Main findings

Normal adolescent anovulation causes only minor menstrual cycle irregularity: most cycles range from 21-45 days, even in the first postmenarcheal year, 90% by the fourth year. Approximately half of symptomatic menstrual irregularity is due to neuroendocrine immaturity, and half is associated with increased androgen levels. The former is manifest as aluteal or short/deficient luteal phase cycles and usually resolves spontaneously. The latter seems

SUBMITTER: Rosenfield RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3763969 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature