Anovulation Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jan 06, 2023
  • Author: Armando E Hernandez-Rey, MD; Chief Editor: Richard Scott Lucidi, MD, FACOG  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Anovulation is a sign and not a disease entity per se; therefore, the purpose of the differential diagnosis is to help distinguish the primary cause of anovulation. Epilepsy and Sheehan syndrome should also be considered, the latter of which should be ruled out with a detailed clinical history and hormonal evaluation.

Important considerations

Diagnosis and treatment of PCOS must begin in a timely fashion in order to help reduce the morbidity and mortality from diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. There is a genetic component to PCOS, and it is usually seen in first- and second-degree relatives.

Patients with chronic anovulation are at increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia and malignancy, and endometrial sampling is imperative.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval has not been obtained for any of the treatments usually used in the treatment of hirsutism. Patients must be aware of the risks involved in using these medications.

Differential Diagnoses