How to distinguish between pregnancy and amenorrhea

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on May 25, 2025
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If your menstrual cycles have been regular up to now and there is a delay in your current cycle, the first thing to do is to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. There is a significant difference between a normal pregnancy and amenorrhea, and pregnancy can generally be detected through early pregnancy test strips if the menstrual cycle is irregular.

If the test strip is positive, it is generally considered likely that you are pregnant, and it is not a case of amenorrhea. If the test shows a negative result, then it is necessary to check the thickness of the endometrium. If the endometrium is thin, the likelihood of amenorrhea significantly increases.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is there leukorrhea after menopause?

After menopause, the amount of vaginal discharge will significantly decrease, but a small amount of discharge may still be present, which is a normal phenomenon. Due to the significant reduction or disappearance of estrogen secretion after menopause, the secretions from the vagina and cervix will significantly decrease, thus reducing vaginal discharge. However, if there is an increase in discharge, a change to a yellow color, and itching of the vulva, it could be due to vaginitis, which requires prompt medical examination and treatment since vaginitis is relatively common in the elderly.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
43sec home-news-image

How to distinguish between pregnancy and amenorrhea

If your menstrual cycles have been regular up to now and there is a delay in your current cycle, the first thing to do is to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. There is a significant difference between a normal pregnancy and amenorrhea, and pregnancy can generally be detected through early pregnancy test strips if the menstrual cycle is irregular. If the test strip is positive, it is generally considered likely that you are pregnant, and it is not a case of amenorrhea. If the test shows a negative result, then it is necessary to check the thickness of the endometrium. If the endometrium is thin, the likelihood of amenorrhea significantly increases.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

How should amenorrhea be managed?

Menopause occurring after the age of 40 is a normal physiological phenomenon. If menopause occurs before the age of 40, it indicates premature ovarian failure. Women with premature ovarian failure will exhibit symptoms of menopause and also experience accelerated aging. At this stage, if there are no contraindications to medication, hormone replacement therapy can be used. Hormone replacement therapy is also applicable if menopause occurs after the age of 40. For those over 40 who still wish to menstruate, sequential estrogen-progestogen therapy can be applied. If menstruation is not desired, estrogen supplementation therapy can be used.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What does amenorrhea mean?

The term "amenorrhea" that we often talk about refers to the sudden cessation of menstruation after it has occurred, stopping for more than three to six months. The normal age for menopause is around fifty years old, and a deviation of 3-5 years earlier or later is considered normal. Young women experiencing amenorrhea need to have their sex hormones tested, and then the menstrual cycle can be adjusted based on the results. There are many causes of amenorrhea, such as endocrine disorders, uterine diseases, emotional fluctuations, medication influences, gynecological inflammation, excessive fatigue, and severe mental stress, all of which can lead to amenorrhea. It is important to timely use dietary therapy and medication to treat it.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Where is moxibustion most effective for amenorrhea?

For women experiencing amenorrhea due to various reasons, it is advisable to undergo a systematic examination at a hospital. This is because the regulation of the menstrual cycle is a complex process involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and cerebral cortex, as well as factors related to mental health, body fluids, and environmental aspects. Only after identifying the cause can a doctor arrange a suitable treatment plan. You may also consider traditional Chinese medicine, which has unique efficacy and insights regarding amenorrhea. When opting for moxibustion, it should be performed under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine therapist. It is not advisable to go to small clinics or beauty salons for this treatment, as it involves specific acupuncture points. Whether to choose the Guanchi point or the Sanyinjiao point should be determined by a professional practitioner. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.