Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
08:42
Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Menstrual suppression in the adolescent
Kelly L Kantartzis1, Gina S Sucato
1Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Magee Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. gerschultzkl@upmc.edu
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|November 20, 2012
Summary
Menstrual suppression uses hormonal contraceptives to reduce or eliminate monthly periods in adolescents for medical reasons or preference. This approach can improve various conditions and is manageable with known side effects.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Gynecology
Background:
- Menstrual suppression, using contraceptives to reduce or stop menses, is common for adolescents.
- Hormonal contraceptives offer various methods for menstrual suppression with differing side effect profiles.
- There is no medical necessity for monthly menstruation in adolescents using hormonal contraceptives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current menstrual suppression modalities.
- To discuss conditions in adolescents that benefit from menstrual suppression.
- To outline strategies for managing associated side effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on menstrual suppression methods.
- Analysis of conditions commonly treated with menstrual suppression in adolescents.
- Compilation of side effect management strategies.
Main Results:
- Multiple hormonal contraceptive methods are available for menstrual suppression.
- Conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and PCOS can improve with suppression.
- Common side effects include breakthrough bleeding and mood changes, which are manageable.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual suppression is a viable option for adolescents with specific gynecological conditions or preferences.
- Healthcare providers should discuss various methods and side effect management with patients.
- Individualized approaches are key to successful menstrual suppression therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:22Birth Control Methods
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...