[Menstrual cycle anomalies in young girls--prognosis concerning later fertility]

Menstrual disorders in adolescents should be investigated promptly to avoid or alleviate possible long-term sequelae, including impaired fertility. Patients with uterine amenorrhea cannot become pregnant. The prognosis for later fertility in patients with oligoamenorrheas depends on the pathogenesis and degree of the condition. Hypothalamic oligoamenorrheas generally resolve when the offending stimuli are removed, and the prognosis for future fertility is good. In patients with pituitary lesions, even those with complete loss of pituitary function, pregnancies can be achieved and maintained with exogenous gonadotropins. Menstrual disorders due to hyperprolactinemia can be treated effectively. Hyperandrogenemic oligoamenorrheas, especially the polycystic ovary syndrome, are common. Future fertility has been improved with preventive measures in adolescence and later interventions. Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency and persisting hypergonadotropic amenorrhea have a poor prognosis. A new aspect is the restitution of ovarian function after treatments for malignant diseases.