Body weight and amenorrhea.

Twenty-four women with primary and secondary amenorrhea were compared as to body weight, weight loss, estimated body fat content and loss, and history of failure to menstruate after discontinuing use of oral contraceptives. Simple weight loss is associated with menstrual dysfunction when over 30% of body fat is lost. Women using oral contraceptives who lose minor degrees of weight or body fat are at risk for the development of secondary amenorrhea.