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Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(1):39-48

Patient information: See related handout on amenorrhea.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.

Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires evaluation if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche. Secondary amenorrhea is characterized by cessation of previously regular menses for three months or previously irregular menses for six months and warrants evaluation. Clinicians may consider etiologies of amenorrhea categorically as outflow tract abnormalities, primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, other endocrine gland disorders, sequelae of chronic disease, physiologic, or induced. The history should include menstrual onset and patterns, eating and exercise habits, presence of psychosocial stressors, body weight changes, medication use, galactorrhea, and chronic illness. Additional questions may target neurologic, vasomotor, hyperandrogenic, or thyroid-related symptoms. The physical examination should identify anthropometric and pubertal development trends. All patients should be offered a pregnancy test and assessment of serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Additional testing, including karyotyping, serum androgen evaluation, and pelvic or brain imaging, should be individualized. Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency can maintain unpredictable ovary function and may require hormone replacement therapy, contraception, or infertility services. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea may indicate disordered eating and low bone density. Treatment should address the underlying cause. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should undergo screening and intervention to attenuate metabolic disease and endometrial cancer risk. Amenorrhea can be associated with clinically challenging pathology and may require lifelong treatment. Patients will benefit from ample time with the clinician, sensitivity, and emotional support.

Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health status and self-perception of well-being.1,2 A broad differential is important to avoid missing rare or emergent pathology because many underlying conditions can present as amenorrhea.3 Primary amenorrhea is the lifelong absence of menses.3 Evaluation should be considered if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche.1,4 Lack of any pubertal development by 13 years of age should prompt investigation for delayed puberty.4,5

Clinical recommendation Evidence rating Comments
Patients who have not reached menarche by 15 years of age (or three years post-thelarche), or who have experienced cessation of regular menses for three months or previously irregular menses for six months, should be evaluated.1,3,4,6 C Recommendation from consensus guidelines
Pregnancy should be excluded in all patients with amenorrhea, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels should be obtained.13,6,1012 C Recommendation from consensus guidelines
Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency should be treated with hormone therapy until the age of natural menopause (50 to 51 years of age) to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urogenital atrophy.3639 C Recommendation from consensus guideline based on observational studies and a randomized controlled trial
In patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, treatment should correct the underlying cause to restore ovulatory function through behavior change, nutritional repletion (e.g., caloric intake, vitamin D), stress reduction, and weight gain.2,22 B Recommendations from consensus guideline based on observational studies
In patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, combined oral contraceptives do not improve bone density and should not be used solely for this purpose.2,22,47,48 C Recommendations from consensus guideline based on a randomized controlled trial (disease-oriented outcome) and a systematic review of observational studies
In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and an elevated body mass index, weight loss and regular exercise are recommended and may restore regular menses and improve metabolic comorbidities.12,49,50 B Recommendation from consensus guidelines based on observational studies and randomized controlled trials
In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility, letrozole (Femara) is a first-line treatment because it confers higher ovulation, pregnancy, and live birth rates than clomiphene.12,50,52 A Recommendation from consensus guidelines based on meta-analysis of randomized trials

Secondary amenorrhea is the cessation of previously regular menses for three months or previously irregular menses for six months and warrants evaluation.1,3,6 Oligomenorrhea, the lack of menstruation for intervals longer than 35 days in adults or 45 days in adolescents, is approached similarly.1,3,68

Clinicians should offer a safe and welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing reproductive health concerns by establishing confidentiality, building rapport, and allotting the requisite time needed to talk about possible long-term treatments and sequelae of chronic medical conditions. Preventive health visits should include menstrual cycle education, such as measurement from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next cycle; intervals are typically 21 to 34 days.1 Smart phone apps (e.g., Clue) are useful for determining patterns.9

Etiologies of amenorrhea can be categorized as: outflow tract abnormalities, primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, other endocrine gland disorders, sequelae of chronic disease, physiologic, or induced3,6 (Table 113,5,6,1012). Abnormal pelvic anatomy is important to consider in the evaluation of primary amenorrhea.3 All causes of secondary amenorrhea may present as primary amenorrhea and the evaluation is similar (Figure 1 and Figure 2).3

Outflow tract abnormalities
Acquired
  • Cervical stenosis

  • Intrauterine adhesions


Congenital
  • 5α-reductase deficiency

  • Androgen insensitivity syndrome

  • Imperforate hymen

  • Müllerian agenesis

  • Transverse vaginal septum


Primary ovarian insufficiency
Acquired
  • Autoimmune

  • Chemotherapy or radiation


Congenital
  • Gonadal dysgenesis (other than Turner syndrome)

  • Turner syndrome or variant


Hypothalamic or pituitary disorders
Autoimmune disease
Brain radiation
Hypothalamic or pituitary disorders(continued)
Constitutional delay of puberty
Empty sella syndrome
Functional (overall energy deficit or stress)
  • Eating disorder

  • Stress

  • Vigorous exercise

  • Weight loss


Gonadotropin deficiency (e.g., Kallmann syndrome)
Hyperprolactinemia
  • Adenoma (prolactinoma)

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Medications or illicit drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, opiates)

  • Physiologic (pregnancy, stress, exercise)


Infarction (e.g., Sheehan syndrome)
Infiltrative disease (e.g., sarcoidosis)
Infection (e.g., meningitis, tuberculosis)
Medications or illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine)
Trauma or surgery
Tumor (primary or metastatic)
Other endocrine gland disorders
Adrenal insufficiency
Androgen-secreting tumor (e.g., ovarian or adrenal)
Cushing syndrome
Diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled
Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Polycystic ovary syndrome (multifactorial)
Thyroid disease
Amenorrhea attributed to chronic disease
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Other chronic disease
Physiologic or induced
Breastfeeding
Contraception
Exogenous androgens
Menopause
Pregnancy

Evaluation

HISTORY

A detailed history should include menstrual patterns (if any), pregnancy and breastfeeding history, eating and exercise habits, psychosocial stressors (e.g., perfectionist behaviors), changes in body weight, fractures, medication or substance use, chronic illness, and timing of breast and pubic hair development2,3,6 (Table 213,5,6,1012). Galactorrhea, headaches, or visual field defects can indicate hypothalamic or pituitary disease,13,14 and acne or hirsutism can indicate hyperandrogenism.15 Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency.10 A family history should include the age of menarche of relatives and any chronic disease history.2,3

FindingsAssociations
History
Chemotherapy or radiationImpairment of specific organ or structure, (e.g., brain, pituitary, ovary)
Family history of early or delayed menarcheConstitutional delay of puberty
GalactorrheaPituitary tumor
Hirsutism, acneHyperandrogenism, PCOS, ovarian or adrenal tumor, CAH, Cushing syndrome
Illicit or prescription drug useLoss of smell (anosmia)Multiple associations, consider effect on prolactin
Loss of smell (anosmia)Kallman syndrome (GnRH deficiency)
Menarche and menstrual historyPrimary vs. secondary amenorrhea
Sexual activityPregnancy
Significant headaches or vision changesCentral nervous system tumor, empty sella syndrome
Temperature intolerance, palpitations, diarrhea, constipation, tremor, depression, skin changesThyroid disease
Vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flashes or night sweats)Primary ovarian insufficiency, natural menopause
Weight loss, excessive exercise, poor nutrition, psychosocial distress, dietsFunctional hypothalamic amenorrhea
Physical examination
Abnormal thyroid examinationThyroid disorder
Acanthosis nigricans or skin tagsHyperinsulinemia (PCOS)
Anthropomorphic measurements; growth chartsMultiple associations; Turner syndrome, constitutional delay of puberty
Body mass indexHigh: PCOS
Low: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
BradycardiaFunctional hypothalamic amenorrhea (e.g., anorexia nervosa)
Breast development (normal progression)Presence of circulating estrogen*
Dysmorphic features (e.g., webbed neck, short stature, low hairline)Turner syndrome
Male pattern baldness, increased facial hair, acneHyperandrogenism, PCOS, ovarian or adrenal tumor, CAH, Cushing syndrome
Pelvic examination
Absence or abnormalities of cervix or uterusRare congenital causes including Müllerian agenesis or androgen insensitivity syndrome
ClitoromegalyAndrogen-secreting tumor; CAH; 5α-reductase deficiency
Presence of transverse septum or imperforate hymenOutflow tract obstruction
Reddened or thin vaginal mucosaDecreased endogenous estrogen
Sexual maturity rating abnormalTurner syndrome, constitutional delay of puberty, rare causes
Striae, buffalo hump, central obesity, hypertensionCushing syndrome

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Clinicians should review trends in height, weight, and body mass index.2,3 Normal breast development indicates the presence of circulating estrogen.6 Atrophic vaginal mucosae suggests low estrogen, and a shortened vagina may indicate outflow tract obstruction or Müllerian agenesis.6,16,17 Signs of virilization suggest hyperandrogenic conditions. Evidence of dysmorphism may suggest a congenital syndrome.6,10,17

LABORATORY AND OTHER TESTING

In all cases, pregnancy should be excluded with a pregnancy test.2,3,6 Serum patterns of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone identify most endocrine causes of amenorrhea2,3,6,1012 (Figure 13). Serum free and total testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels may be obtained if there is evidence of hyperandrogenism8,15,18,19 (Table 32,5,6,1012). A 17-hydroxyprogesterone level collected at 8 a.m. assesses for late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.2,15 Low anti-Müllerian hormone correlates with ovarian reserve and may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency or menopause (Table 4).2

FindingsAssociations
Laboratory testing (refer to local reference values)
17-hydroxyprogesterone level (collected at 8 a.m.)High: late-onset CAH
Anti-Müllerian hormoneHigh: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, PCOS
Low: Primary ovarian insufficiency
Complete blood count and metabolic panelAbnormal: chronic disease (e.g., elevated liver enzymes in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea)
EstradiolLow: Poor endogenous estrogen production (suggestive of poor current ovarian function)
Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormoneHigh: Primary ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome
Low: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
Normal: PCOS; intrauterine adhesions; multiple others
Free and total testosterone; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfateHigh: Hyperandrogenism, PCOS, ovarian or adrenal tumor, CAH, Cushing syndrome
KaryotypeAbnormal: Turner syndrome, rare chromosomal disorders
Pregnancy testPositive: Pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy
ProlactinHigh: Pituitary adenoma, medications, hypothyroidism, other neoplasm
Thyroid-stimulating hormoneHigh: Hypothyroidism
Low: Hyperthyroidism
Radiographic testing
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometryEvaluation of fracture risk
MRI of the adrenal glandsAndrogen-secreting adrenal tumor
MRI of the brain (including sella)*Tumor (e.g., microadenoma)
Pelvic organ ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imagingMorphology of pelvic organs, polycystic ovarian morphology, androgen-secreting ovarian tumor
17-OHPAMHDHEA-SEstradiolLH (IU per L)LH/FSHFSH (IU per L)ProlactinTestosteroneTSH
Congenital adrenal hyperplasiaHighNormalHigh normalLow< 15> 1< 10NormalHighNormal
Functional hypothalamic amenorrheaNormalHighNormalLow< 10~ 1< 10Low normalLow normalLow normal
HyperprolactinemiaNormalNormalNormal or slightly highLow< 10> 1< 10HighNormalHigh or normal
MenopauseNormalLowNormalLow> 15< 1> 15NormalLow normalNormal
Polycystic ovary syndromeNormalNormal or highHigh normalLow< 15> 1< 10High normalHigh or high normalNormal
Primary ovarian insufficiencyNormalLowNormalLow> 15< 1> 15NormalLow normalNormal

Karyotyping should also be considered in patients of short stature to evaluate for Turner syndrome.6,20 Patients with this syndrome require screening for cardiac and renal defects, neurocognitive and behavior disorders, hypothyroidism, and hearing loss, and generally require hormone therapies for puberty induction and growth, often in consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist.17,20,21

Pelvic ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify abnormal reproductive anatomy or detect an androgen-secreting tumor.2,15 MRI of the brain can identify pituitary and other tumors.2,6,13 Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry can establish baseline fracture risk in patients with concerns for primary ovarian insufficiency or functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.2,22 A hormonal challenge can be used after excluding pregnancy to determine the presence of functioning anatomy; however, the predictive value of this test on adequate endometrial estrogen exposure is inconsistent.3,17,23 A common regimen for a hormonal challenge is 10 mg of medroxyprogesterone (Provera) orally per day for 10 days; withdrawal bleeding may indicate estrogen exposure (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]) and lack of bleeding may indicate a lowestrogen condition.2,24

Differential Diagnosis and Management

OUTFLOW TRACT ABNORMALITIES

Outflow tract abnormalities are generally associated with 46,XX chromosomal patterns and normal pubertal progression. Müllerian agenesis occurs in approximately one in 5,000 females and in 15% of females diagnosed with primary amenorrhea.25,26 It is characterized by the abnormal development of reproductive anatomy and is associated with urologic and skeletal malformations.16,25 Transverse septum and imperforate hymen may present with cyclic pelvic pain. Intrauterine adhesions can occur after endometrial instrumentation and are corrected using hysteroscopy. Cervical stenosis can occur after cervical procedures, radiation, or vaginal birth.6,27

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is characterized by the resistance of peripheral tissues to testosterone in patients with 46,XY chromosomal patterns.2830 Patients with 5α-reductase deficiency are phenotypic females that develop male secondary sex characteristics at puberty. Both of these rare conditions are confirmed by genetic analysis or enzyme assays.28 Prophylactic gonadectomy may require evaluation by a pediatric urologist based on malignancy risk and patient or guardian preferences.31

PRIMARY OVARIAN INSUFFICIENCY

Primary ovarian insufficiency affects approximately one in 100 females and is defined by follicle dysfunction or depletion.10,17,32 It is diagnosed in patients younger than 40 years with two serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the menopausal range obtained at least one month apart.10,17 Vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness are common.10,11

Most cases are idiopathic; however, irradiation, chemotherapy, infections, tumors, autoimmune processes, and chromosomal irregularities can also cause primary ovarian insufficiency.10 A karyotype is abnormal in approximately one-third of patients with primary amenorrhea, and it should be offered to all patients with a diagnosis of primary ovarian insufficiency to identify Turner syndrome (or variants).10,21

Patients diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency should be offered testing for FMR1 gene premutation, which confers the risk of fragile X syndrome in children.10,11,33,34 Testing for thyroid and adrenal antibodies and annual or biennial screening for hypothyroidism may be considered given how often these conditions coexist.10,11,35

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce associated vasomotor symptoms, bone mineral density loss, and cardiovascular risk and should be continued until the age of natural menopause (50 to 51 years).3,20,3639 A common post-pubertal regimen of HRT is 100 mcg of daily transdermal estradiol or 0.625 mg of daily oral conjugated estrogens, adding 200 mg of micronized oral progesterone daily for 12 days each month.3,37,38 Transdermal estrogen may be associated with lower venous thromboembolism risk than oral formulations.40 It is also reasonable to recommend 1,200 mg of calcium daily and 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily with regular weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone mineral density in accordance with guidelines for postmenopausal women.10,41

Approximately 10% of females diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency retain fertility.10 HRT may not adequately suppress ovulation; therefore, barrier or intrauterine contraceptives may augment HRT for contraceptive purposes.10,38,42 Combined hormonal contraceptives may be substituted for HRT to adequately prevent pregnancy and provide the noncontraceptive benefits of HRT; this approach requires higher doses of estrogen, which may confer additional venous thromboembolic risk.38,43 A primary ovarian insufficiency diagnosis introduces long-term challenges for patients and families. Clinicians should offer ample time, sensitivity, and emotional support to the patient.11

HYPOTHALAMIC AND PITUITARY CAUSES

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a disorder of chronic anovulation caused by suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis from body weight loss, excessive exercise, or stress and may result in infertility or bone density loss.2,4446 The pathology is similar to the female athlete triad; both are characterized by menstrual dysfunction, low energy availability, and decreased bone mineral density.2,22,46 Although functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a diagnosis of exclusion, evaluation typically reveals low or low-normal serum-luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and low serum estradiol.2 Bone mineral density testing should be considered after six months of amenorrhea, severe nutritional deficit, or history of stress fracture.2,22

Treatment should correct the underlying cause to restore ovulatory function through behavior change, nutritional repletion (e.g., caloric intake, vitamin D), stress reduction, and weight gain.2,22,46 A multidisciplinary team including a clinician, nutritionist or registered dietician, and therapist may be optimal.2,22 Patients with severe bradycardia, hypotension, orthostasis, or electrolyte abnormalities may require inpatient treatment.2 A return to play tool to guide recommendations for athletes is provided in eTable A.

Magnitude of risk
Risk factorsLow risk = 0 points eachModerate risk = 1 point eachHigh risk = 2 points each
Low energy availability with or without an eating disorderNo dietary restrictionSome dietary restriction; current or history of disordered eatingMeets DSM-5 criteria for current or history of an eating disorder
Low BMI or expected weightBMI ≥ 18.5 kg per m2, ≥ 90% expected weight, or weight stableBMI 17.5 kg per m2 to < 18.5 kg per m2, < 90% expected weight, or 5% to < 10% weight loss per monthBMI ≤ 17.5 kg per m2, < 85% expected weight, or ≥ 10% weight loss per month
Delayed menarcheMenarche < 15 yearsMenarche 15 to < 16 yearsMenarche ≥ 16 years
Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea (current or history)> 9 menses in 12 months6 to 9 menses in 12 months< 6 menses in 12 months
Low bone mineral densityZ-score ≥ −1.0Z-score −1.0 to < −2.0, especially in weight-bearing sportsZ-score ≤ −2.0
Stress reaction/fractureNone12 or more, or 1 high-risk fracture (e.g., trabecular site such as femoral neck, sacrum, or pelvis)
Cumulative risk# Points +# Points +# Points = Total Score

Combined oral contraceptives have not been shown to improve bone density; however, after a reasonable trial of nonpharmacologic therapy (i.e., six to 12 months), clinicians may recommend short-term use of transdermal 17β-estradiol (e.g., 100-mcg patch if bone age is 15 years or older) and cyclic oral progestin (e.g., medroxyprogesterone, 2.5 mg daily, 10 days per month) for this purpose as it avoids first-pass liver metabolism.2,4648 Hormonal contraceptives may mask underlying pathology but should be considered for patients at risk of pregnancy because ovulation may precede menstruation.2 The Endocrine Society recommends against bisphosphonate use in this population.2

Hyperprolactinemia. Elevated serum prolactin may induce amenorrhea by inhibiting gonadotrophs. Common causes include medication use (e.g., antipsychotics), pregnancy, and pituitary adenoma.13,14 Most patients with elevated serum prolactin will require MRI of the pituitary unless prolactin levels collected at least three days after discontinuing inciting medications have normalized.14 The risk of withdrawing medications (e.g., psychosis) may exceed the benefits (e.g., bone health).14 Symptomatic prolactinomas may be treated with dopamine agonists or resection.13,14

Other Central Nervous System Causes. Amenorrhea may be caused by hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage through inflammation, ischemia, infiltration, infection, or trauma. Disorders affecting pubertal development, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency and constitutional delay, have been described previously in American Family Physician.5

OTHER ENDOCRINE CAUSES

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, biochemical or clinical androgen access, and polycystic ovaries.6,8,12,49 The Rotterdam Consensus Criteria require two of the aforementioned features for diagnosis; the Androgen Excess Society requires hyperandrogenism and another feature.8,12,49 Pelvic ultrasonography is not required for diagnosis.8,49,50 Diagnostic accuracy in adolescence is challenging because anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology can be physiologic; therefore, hyperandrogenism and persistent oligomenorrhea are key to diagnosis.8,49 Benefits of early management may outweigh risks of delay for diagnostic certainty.8,49

Markedly elevated serum androgens could indicate other hyperandrogenic conditions, but strict cut-offs are not defined.2,12,49 PCOS is associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Patients should be screened for hypertension and an elevated body mass index at each visit, and should be screened for dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance (i.e., two-hour oral glucose tolerance testing [preferred] or A1C level) every three to five years.12,4951

Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be recommended for all patients with PCOS. Weight loss may restore regular menses and improve metabolic comorbidities in patients with an elevated body mass index.12,49,50 Combined hormonal contraceptives are first-line therapy for menstrual abnormalities, hirsutism, acne, and protection from endometrial cancer caused by unopposed estrogen secretion.12,14,49,50 Metformin may prevent diabetes mellitus and regulate menses, and it may be appropriate for patients with impaired glucose tolerance when lifestyle modification is unsuccessful or for those with contraindications to applicable contraceptives.12,49 Metformin is ineffective for treating acne or hirsutism.15,49 For patients with PCOS and infertility, letrozole (Femara) is a first-line therapeutic option, because it confers higher ovulation, pregnancy, and live birth rates than clomiphene.12,50,52

Thyroid and Adrenal Disease. Hypo- and hyperthyroidism may cause amenorrhea.2,6,12 Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (e.g., 21-hydroxylase deficiency) is a common cause of hyperandrogenic amenorrhea; an elevated serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level should be followed by confirmatory adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing.12,49,53 Adrenal or ovarian androgen-secreting tumors are exceedingly rare but should be considered in patients with rapid-onset virilization or markedly elevated serum androgens.3,12,49 If physical stigmata of cortisol excess are present, Cushing syndrome may be excluded by a 24-hour urinary free cortisol, late-night salivary cortisol, or dexamethasone suppression test.2,12,49

Chronic Disease, Physiologic, and Induced Causes

Patients with chronic disease may experience amenorrhea; however, these conditions are often recognized by individual signs and symptoms. Menopause should be considered in patients older than 40 years.15,16,54 Pregnancy, lactation, hormonal contraceptives, and exogenous androgens (e.g., transgender care) may also cause amenorrhea.2,3,6

This article updates previous articles on this topic by Klein and Poth,3 and Master-Hunter and Heiman.55

Data Sources: A PubMed search was completed using the MeSH function with the key phrase amenorrhea and one of the following: diagnosis, evaluation, management, or treatment. The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and reviews published after August 1, 2011. Also searched were Essential Evidence Plus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Search dates: April 18 to July 16, 2018, and January 20, 2019.

The contents of this article are solely the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. military at large, the U.S. Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

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