open access

Vol 66, No 3 (2015)
Review paper
Submitted: 2014-06-09
Accepted: 2014-09-23
Published online: 2015-07-01
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Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea – diagnostic challenges, monitoring, and treatment

Elżbieta Sowińska-Przepiera, Elżbieta Andrysiak-Mamos, Grażyna Jarząbek-Bielecka, Aleksandra Walkowiak, Lilianna Osowicz-Korolonek, Małgorzata Syrenicz, Witold Kędzia, Anhelli Syrenicz
DOI: 10.5603/EP.2015.0033
·
Pubmed: 26136135
·
Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(3):252-268.

open access

Vol 66, No 3 (2015)
Review Article
Submitted: 2014-06-09
Accepted: 2014-09-23
Published online: 2015-07-01

Abstract

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is associated with functional inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Causes of FHA can be classified into the three groups: 1) stress-related factors, 2) consequences of weight loss and/or underweight, and 3) consequences of physical exercise or practicing sports. Diagnosis of FHA should be based on a history of menstrual disorders. During physical examination, patients with FHA present with secondary and tertiary sex characteristics specific for the pubertal stage preceding development of the condition and with the signs of hypoestrogenism. Laboratory results determine further management of patients with amenorrhea, and thus their correct interpretation is vital for making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Treatment of chronic anovulation, menstrual disorders, and secondary amenorrhea resulting from hypothalamic disorders should be aimed at the elimination of the primary cause, i.e. a decrease in psycho-emotional strain, avoidance of chronic stressors, reduction of physical exercise level, or optimisation of BMI in patients who lose weight. If menses do not resume after a period of six months or primary causative treatment is not possible, neutralisation of hypoestrogenism consequences, especially unfavourable effects on bone metabolism, become the main issue. Previous studies have shown that oestroprogestagen therapy is useful in both the treatment of menstrual disorders and normalisation of bone mineral density. Hormonal preparations should be introduced into therapeutic protocol on an individualised basis. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (3): 252–268)

Abstract

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is associated with functional inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Causes of FHA can be classified into the three groups: 1) stress-related factors, 2) consequences of weight loss and/or underweight, and 3) consequences of physical exercise or practicing sports. Diagnosis of FHA should be based on a history of menstrual disorders. During physical examination, patients with FHA present with secondary and tertiary sex characteristics specific for the pubertal stage preceding development of the condition and with the signs of hypoestrogenism. Laboratory results determine further management of patients with amenorrhea, and thus their correct interpretation is vital for making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Treatment of chronic anovulation, menstrual disorders, and secondary amenorrhea resulting from hypothalamic disorders should be aimed at the elimination of the primary cause, i.e. a decrease in psycho-emotional strain, avoidance of chronic stressors, reduction of physical exercise level, or optimisation of BMI in patients who lose weight. If menses do not resume after a period of six months or primary causative treatment is not possible, neutralisation of hypoestrogenism consequences, especially unfavourable effects on bone metabolism, become the main issue. Previous studies have shown that oestroprogestagen therapy is useful in both the treatment of menstrual disorders and normalisation of bone mineral density. Hormonal preparations should be introduced into therapeutic protocol on an individualised basis. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (3): 252–268)

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Keywords

hypothalamic amenorrhea; stress; menstrual disorders; puberty

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About this article
Title

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea – diagnostic challenges, monitoring, and treatment

Journal

Endokrynologia Polska

Issue

Vol 66, No 3 (2015)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

252-268

Published online

2015-07-01

Page views

7750

Article views/downloads

10095

DOI

10.5603/EP.2015.0033

Pubmed

26136135

Bibliographic record

Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(3):252-268.

Keywords

hypothalamic amenorrhea
stress
menstrual disorders
puberty

Authors

Elżbieta Sowińska-Przepiera
Elżbieta Andrysiak-Mamos
Grażyna Jarząbek-Bielecka
Aleksandra Walkowiak
Lilianna Osowicz-Korolonek
Małgorzata Syrenicz
Witold Kędzia
Anhelli Syrenicz

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