What is one diagnostic component used in evaluating amenorrhea?

Blood tests for hormone levels are critical in evaluating amenorrhea because they help determine the underlying causes of the condition. Amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of hormonal imbalances, including issues with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or ovaries. Measuring levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) allows healthcare providers to assess whether these glands are functioning properly and to identify possible causes of the absence of menstruation. For example, low levels of FSH and LH may suggest a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, while elevated levels might indicate ovarian failure.

Other diagnostic components, such as symptom review and pain assessment, provide useful context and may help in the clinical decision-making process but do not specifically address the hormonal basis for amenorrhea. Vaginal ultrasound can be beneficial in certain contexts, such as ruling out anatomical abnormalities or assessing the health of the ovaries, but it does not directly evaluate hormonal levels. Endometrial biopsy is generally used to assess the lining of the uterus for pathology rather than diagnosing the reasons for amenorrhea. Therefore, blood tests for hormone levels are the most direct and informative method for evaluating