27 patients with secondary amenorrhoea for 6--20 months were investigated with a gonadorelin (GnRH-)test and a psychoanalytical exploration. Results, which were determined independently of each other, were then correlated. According to the gonadorelin and the gestagen test patients could be allocated to four groups: test group 1 = negative gestagen test, LH peak below 8 ng/ml, test group 2 = positive gestagen test, LH peak below 8 ng/ml, test group 3 = positive gestagen test, LH peak 8--20 ng/ml, test group 4 = positive gestagen test, LH peak 20--37 ng/ml. According to the psychoanalytical exploration two groups of patients could be differentiated. Patients of test group 1 and 2 showed psychosomatic disorders to a greater extent with pronounced associated somatic symptoms and predominantly retentive personality structures. Patients in test groups 3 and 4 showed predominantly associated mental symptoms accompanied by better insight into their own conflicts.