A 28-year-old woman is 10 weeks postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding every 3 hours, including overnight. She has not resumed menses and has a

Question

A 28-year-old woman is 10 weeks postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding every 3 hours, including overnight. She has not resumed menses and has a negative pregnancy test. She asks why she has not had a period. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

Accepted Answer

Prolactin-mediated suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility

Answer

Permanent ovarian failure after vaginal delivery

Answer

Endometrial scarring from breastfeeding

Answer

Thyroid storm from lactation

Answer

Pituitary necrosis without lactation failure

Lactational amenorrhea — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 28-year-old woman is 10 weeks postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding every 3 hours, including overnight. She has not resumed menses and has a negative pregnancy test. She asks why she has not had a period. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?