[Endocrine profile of patients with post-pill amenorrhea]

"Post-pill amenorrhea" is still a much-debated subject in gynecological endocrinology. The authors therefore studied the reproductive history and endocrinological parameters of 145 patients with the presumptive diagnosis of post-pill amenorrhea, seen in their department during the last two years; 166 cases of secondary amenorrhea served as a control group. The incidence of late menarche (20%), previous oligomenorrhea, and elevated androgen serum levels was high in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two collectives. These findings suggest that although oral contraceptives may have an unfavorable influence on the menstrual cycle, there is no causal relationship between such agents and the development of secondary amenorrhea. It seems that in many cases of presumptive post-pill amenorrhea the common condition of juvenile hyperandrogenemic ovarian insufficiency might be the underlying problem.