Contribution of chromosomal aberrations to the pathogenesis of primary and secondary amenorrhea: A study from Western Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Amenorrhea is an abnormal condition characterized by the absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization, amenorrhea ranks as the sixth leading cause of female infertility. Approximately 2% to 5% of women of reproductive age experience amenorrhea, which can be classified as primary amenorrhea (PA) or secondary amenorrhea (SA). Several studies have named chromosomal abnormalities among the main causes of amenorrhea, though the prevalence of these abnormalities may differ across populations. The objective of this study was to ascertain the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in women with amenorrhea in Kermanshah Province, Iran.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with PA and SA who underwent standard cytogenetic analysis. We also conducted a review of the literature on chromosomal abnormalities and their prevalence in SA.

Results: Among the 137 cases of PA in this study, 22% exhibited chromosomal abnormalities. Numerical changes were the most common finding (46.6%) in this group, including 45,X, mosaic, and 47,XXX karyotypes. These were followed by the 46,XY karyotype (40%). Of the 51 cases of SA that received chromosomal analysis, abnormalities were identified in only one case. Additionally, our review of the literature revealed that chromosomal aberrations are responsible for 7% of SA cases globally.

Conclusion: In this study, we successfully characterized the cytogenetic causes of PA and SA in a substantial population from Kermanshah Province, Iran.