-
American Family Physician Jul 2019Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Medical History Taking; Physical Examination; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 31259490
DOI: No ID Found -
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine May 2017The menstrual cycle is a reproductive vital sign and provides insight into hormonal imbalance as well as pregnancy. The significance of estrogen, however, extends beyond... (Review)
Review
The menstrual cycle is a reproductive vital sign and provides insight into hormonal imbalance as well as pregnancy. The significance of estrogen, however, extends beyond fertility and plays a role on tissues and organs throughout the body. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a common form of secondary amenorrhea resulting in estrogen deficiency in young premenopausal women. While reversible, the cause of this disorder is related to psychological stress, excessive exercise, disordered eating or a combination of these factors resulting in suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. The resulting loss of estrogen has profound effects on many systems throughout the body including cardiac, skeletal, psychological and reproductive. Often, these young women are the ‘walking well’ as they do not have bothersome symptoms of low estrogen and are unaware of the consequences of estrogen deficiency. This review focuses on the health consequences of hypothalamic amenorrhea, current research and available treatment options.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Estrogens; Female; Fertility; Health Status; Humans; Hypothalamus; Infertility, Female; Menstruation; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal; Prognosis; Reproductive Health; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 28658709
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603581 -
Journal of Clinical Research in... Feb 2020Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhea in adolescent girls. It is often seen in the setting of stress, weight loss, or excessive... (Review)
Review
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhea in adolescent girls. It is often seen in the setting of stress, weight loss, or excessive exercise. FHA is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients with primary or secondary amenorrhea should be evaluated for other causes of amenorrhea before a diagnosis of FHA can be made. The evaluation typically consists of a thorough history and physical examination as well as endocrinological and radiological investigations. FHA, if prolonged, can have significant impacts on metabolic, bone, cardiovascular, mental, and reproductive health. Management often involves a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on lifestyle modification. Depending on the severity, pharmacologic therapy may also be considered. The aim of this paper is to present a review on the pathophysiology, clinical findings, diagnosis, and management approaches of FHA in adolescent girls.
Topics: Adolescent; Amenorrhea; Female; Fertility; Humans; Hypothalamic Diseases; Life Style; Physical Examination; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 32041389
DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2019.2019.S0178 -
American Family Physician Jun 2013Although amenorrhea may result from a number of different conditions, a systematic evaluation including a detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory... (Review)
Review
Although amenorrhea may result from a number of different conditions, a systematic evaluation including a detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory assessment of selected serum hormone levels can usually identify the underlying cause. Primary amenorrhea, which by definition is failure to reach menarche, is often the result of chromosomal irregularities leading to primary ovarian insufficiency (e.g., Turner syndrome) or anatomic abnormalities (e.g., Müllerian agenesis). Secondary amenorrhea is defined as the cessation of regular menses for three months or the cessation of irregular menses for six months. Most cases of secondary amenorrhea can be attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, or primary ovarian insufficiency. Pregnancy should be excluded in all cases. Initial workup of primary and secondary amenorrhea includes a pregnancy test and serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency can maintain unpredictable ovarian function and should not be presumed infertile. Patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea should be evaluated for eating disorders and are at risk for decreased bone density. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are at risk for glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome. Patients with Turner syndrome (or variant) should be treated by a physician familiar with the appropriate screening and treatment measures. Treatment goals for patients with amenorrhea may vary considerably, and depend on the patient and the specific diagnosis.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Hypothalamic Diseases; Medical History Taking; Physical Examination; Pituitary Diseases; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 23939500
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Opinion in Pharmacology Dec 2022Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. FHA is predominantly caused by stress, decreased... (Review)
Review
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. FHA is predominantly caused by stress, decreased caloric intake, excessive exercise, or a combination thereof. These physical, psychological, and metabolic stressors cause aberration in the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and subsequently impair function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Various neurotransmitters acting in the central nervous system are involved in control of the HPO axis and of these, kisspeptin is one of the most important. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also inhibits the pulsatile secretion of GnRH and also acts as an intermediary between stress factors and the reproductive system. One of the main ongoing concerns in patients with FHA is chronic hypoestrogenism, a condition, which is associated with sexual dysfunction and infertility. It may also lead to osteoporosis, and predispose to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of FHA requires the elimination of causative factors, however, making the necessary lifestyle changes is not always easy to initiate and maintain. Broadening our knowledge of the complex neural mechanisms regulating reproductive function in which kisspeptin plays a key role can help in the development of new treatment options such as the potential of kisspeptin receptor agonists for patients with FHA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Kisspeptins; Amenorrhea; Luteinizing Hormone; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Reproduction
PubMed: 36103784
DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102288 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2008Amenorrhea is absence or abnormal cessation of the menses. Primary and secondary amenorrhea describe the occurrence of amenorrhea before and after menarche, respectively. (Review)
Review
Amenorrhea is absence or abnormal cessation of the menses. Primary and secondary amenorrhea describe the occurrence of amenorrhea before and after menarche, respectively.
Topics: Algorithms; Amenorrhea; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Hypothalamic Diseases; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Prolactin
PubMed: 19007635
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.038 -
Nutrients Aug 2021Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a very common condition affecting women of procreative age. There are many reasons for this disorder, including a low... (Review)
Review
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a very common condition affecting women of procreative age. There are many reasons for this disorder, including a low availability of energy in the diet, low micro- and macronutrient intake, overly intensive physical activity, disturbed regeneration processes, sleep disorders, stress, and psychological disorders. The main determinant is long-term stress and an inability to handle the effects of that stress. FHA is a very complex disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Moreover, therapeutic interventions do not address all the causes of the disorder, which could have implications for women's health. As shown by scientific reports, this condition can be reversed by modifying its causes. This review of the literature aims to update the current knowledge of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and underscores the complexity of the disorder, with particular emphasis on the nutritional aspects and potential interventions for restoring balance.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Energy Intake; Exercise; Feeding Behavior; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Hypothalamus; Menstruation; Sleep; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 34444987
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082827 -
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) Dec 2015To evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on long-term (breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus) and short-term (lactational... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on long-term (breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus) and short-term (lactational amenorrhoea, postpartum depression, postpartum weight change) maternal health outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library and CABI databases. Outcome estimates of odds ratios or relative risks or standardised mean differences were pooled. In cases of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and meta-regression were explored.
RESULTS
Breastfeeding >12 months was associated with reduced risk of breast and ovarian carcinoma by 26% and 37%, respectively. No conclusive evidence of an association between breastfeeding and bone mineral density was found. Breastfeeding was associated with 32% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Exclusive breastfeeding and predominant breastfeeding were associated with longer duration of amenorrhoea. Shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with higher risk of postpartum depression. Evidence suggesting an association of breastfeeding with postpartum weight change was lacking.
CONCLUSION
This review supports the hypothesis that breastfeeding is protective against breast and ovarian carcinoma, and exclusive breastfeeding and predominant breastfeeding increase the duration of lactational amenorrhoea. There is evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, an association between breastfeeding and bone mineral density or maternal depression or postpartum weight change was not evident.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amenorrhea; Breast Feeding; Breast Neoplasms; Depression, Postpartum; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Humans; Lactation; Maternal Health; Osteoporosis; Ovarian Neoplasms; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 26172878
DOI: 10.1111/apa.13102 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022The aim of this study was to rapidly review the literature on the prevalence of menstrual disorders in female athletes from different sports modalities. Articles were... (Review)
Review
The aim of this study was to rapidly review the literature on the prevalence of menstrual disorders in female athletes from different sports modalities. Articles were searched in the Web of Science and PubMed database in May 2022. A total of 1309 records were identified, and 48 studies were included in the final stage. The menstrual disorders described in the included studies were primary (in 33% of included studies) and secondary amenorrhea (in 73% of included studies) and oligomenorrhea (in 69% of included studies). The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the studies ranged from 0 to 61%. When data were pooled according to discipline (mean calculation), the highest prevalence of primary amenorrhea was found in rhythmic gymnastics (25%), soccer (20%) and swimming (19%); for secondary amenorrhea in cycling (56%), triathlon (40%) and rhythmic gymnastics (31%); and oligomenorrhea in boxing (55%), rhythmic gymnastics (44%) and artistic gymnastics (32%). Based on the results of this review, the study supports the literature of the higher prevalence of menstrual disorders in gymnastics and endurance disciplines. However, team sports modalities such as volleyball and soccer also presented a considerable percentage of menstrual disorders compared to the general population. It reinforces the importance of coaches and physicians paying attention to athletes' menstrual cycle as the occurrence of menstrual disorders can be associated with impairment on some health components.
Topics: Humans; Female; Amenorrhea; Oligomenorrhea; Prevalence; Athletes; Menstruation Disturbances; Gymnastics; Menstrual Cycle
PubMed: 36361122
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114243 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022In the original definition by Klinefelter, Albright and Griswold, the expression "hypothalamic hypoestrogenism" was used to describe functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea... (Review)
Review
In the original definition by Klinefelter, Albright and Griswold, the expression "hypothalamic hypoestrogenism" was used to describe functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA). Given the well-known effects of estrogens on bone, the physiopathology of skeletal fragility in this condition may appear self-explanatory. Actually, a growing body of evidence has clarified that estrogens are only part of the story. FHA occurs in eating disorders, overtraining, and during psychological or physical stress. Despite some specific characteristics which differentiate these conditions, relative energy deficiency is a common trigger that initiates the metabolic and endocrine derangements contributing to bone loss. Conversely, data on the impact of amenorrhoea on bone density or microarchitecture are controversial, and reduced bone mass is observed even in patients with preserved menstrual cycle. Consistently, oral estrogen-progestin combinations have not proven beneficial on bone density of amenorrheic women. Low bone density is a highly prevalent finding in these patients and entails an increased risk of stress or fragility fractures, and failure to achieve peak bone mass and target height in young girls. Pharmacological treatments have been studied, including androgens, insulin-like growth factor-1, bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, leptin, but none of them is currently approved for use in FHA. A timely screening for bone complications and a multidisciplinary, customized approach aiming to restore energy balance, ensure adequate protein, calcium and vitamin D intake, and reverse the detrimental metabolic-endocrine changes typical of this condition, should be the preferred approach until further studies are available.
Topics: Humans; Female; Amenorrhea; Bone Density; Hypothalamic Diseases; Endocrinologists; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Estrogens
PubMed: 36303862
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946695