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Warning-sign checks

Absent menstrual periods - secondary: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a missed period or positive pregnancy test accompanied by severe or one-sided pelvic or abdominal pain, shoulder pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, marked weakness, or dizziness.

    These can be symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy or significant bleeding.

    A sudden severe headache, loss of vision, confusion, or new weakness also requires emergency assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek advice sooner if pregnancy is possible, symptoms are bothersome, or periods stopped after a uterine procedure.

    Contact a clinician promptly for new nipple discharge, persistent headaches, vision changes, severe hot flashes at a young age, or rapid development of facial hair or a deeper voice.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if periods have stopped for three months without a known explanation.

    Follow-up testing may be needed because hormone levels can change and one result does not always establish the cause.

The article also says

Keep a record of bleeding, pregnancy test results, medicines, weight or exercise changes, and related symptoms.

This information can make the evaluation more focused.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Absent menstrual periods - secondary. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.