[A diagnostic oriented approach to amenorrhea].

A practical approach to the diagnosis of amenorrhea is presented. By utilizing a flow-chart 410 patients with amenorrhea were categorized in the following groups: (i) polycystic ovarian disease; (ii) hypergonadotrophic amenorrhoea; (iii) hyperprolactinaemic amenorrhoea; (iv) normogonadotrophic amenorrhoea; and (v) hypergonadotrophic amenorrhoea. This approach helps the practising physician to come to a logical aetiological diagnosis in each category and saves time as well as money. This approach depends on clinical as well as appropriate laboratory examinations, most of which can be done by the private practitioner. Only a minority of patients need sophisticated and costly examinations.