Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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Diagnosis of Periods, absent

This will depend on the nature of the underlying cause; but depending on age and history, a pregnancy test is often the first step.

A full history is taken, covering such things as the family history, work and activity history, sexual history, emotional upsets, changes in body weight and previous medical history.

Otherwise, diagnosis may involve a full gynaecological examination and various tests. These tests may include blood tests to determine the levels of the various hormones. Chromosome analysis will be necessary if there is doubt as to the patient’s sex.

Ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT scan) or MRI scanning will show any genital abnormalities. Thyroid function tests may also be required.