Amenorrhea (Absence of Periods) in Children and Adolescents

The main symptom of primary amenorrhea is no menstrual period by the age of 15 or 3 years after breast development. The main symptom of secondary amenorrhea is missing 3 or more periods in a row. Other symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause.

Additional symptoms of amenorrhea may include:

• hair loss or excessive facial hair growth

• acne or oily skin

• milky nipple discharge

• hot flashes or night sweats

• weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• thinning hair

• pelvic pain

• vaginal dryness

• headaches

• unstable mood and anxiety

Our team will talk to you and your child to understand their specific symptoms and medical history, and may need to perform a physical exam to check development. A range of additional diagnostic tests and scans may be carried out to help with diagnosis and to identify underlying issues. 

Additional tests may include:

• blood tests
• pregnancy test 
• genetic testing 
• hormone challenge tests (a patient takes hormones for several days to see if periods can be triggered)

Imaging and scans may include:

• abdominal and pelvic ultrasound scan
• CT or MRI scans
• bone DEXA scan

The treatment for amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Our specialists will recommend the best treatment for your child based on their diagnosis. 

Treatments for amenorrhea include: 

• lifestyle changes such as weight management, reducing stress, and moderating exercise
• hormonal therapy
• medication 
• surgery if amenorrhea is due to structural issues such as uterine scarring, ovarian cysts or pituitary tumours

At Welbeck, London’s leading paediatric gynaecologists use the latest innovations in healthcare to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in state-of-the-art facilities. Your child will receive the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel listened to.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

Appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments. If preferred, initial and follow-up appointments can sometimes be done remotely via video call.

Your child’s health is of utmost importance to us, so we strive to offer same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance for your child, their treatment at Welbeck can begin once your provider has confirmed authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

Will amenorrhea affect my child’s fertility in later life? 

This will depend on the underlying cause of the amenorrhea, but most often, once the underlying cause is diagnosed and treated, menstruation will begin or resume within a few months and should not affect future fertility.  

When should I be worried about periods not starting? 

If your child has not had a period by the age of 15 or within 3 years of breast development, or they started having periods but have not had one for 3 or more consecutive months, then it’s important to seek medical advice. 

Will my child need surgery for amenorrhea? 

Surgery for amenorrhea is rare and only needed in cases where there is a structural problem, such as anatomical abnormalities of the uterus or vaginaa pituitary tumour.