Amenorrhea

Contact a healthcare provider if you miss a period. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and medical history, including your menstrual history. Your provider will perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam.

How do healthcare providers test for amenorrhea?

Your healthcare provider may want to do some tests, including:

Pregnancy test.
Blood tests to check your hormone levels and detect thyroid or adrenal gland disorders.
Genetic testing, if you have primary ovarian insufficiency and are younger than 40.
MRI, if your provider suspects a problem with your pituitary gland.
Ultrasound, if your provider suspects an issue with your ovaries or uterus.

Should I keep track of my periods?

Diagnosing amenorrhea can be challenging. If the cause of amenorrhea isn’t obvious, such as pregnancy or menopause, your provider may ask you to keep a record of changes in your menstrual cycle. This history of your periods can help your provider figure out a diagnosis.

Using an app or a journal, note:

How long your periods last.
When you had your last period.
Medications you’re taking.
Changes in your diet or exercise routine.
Emotional challenges you’re having, such as stress.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.