Question

functional,hypothalamic amenorrhea

Answer 1

Answer

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

• Amenorrhea is absence of menstruation.
• If there is absence of menstruation due to cause of hypothalamic origin, it is called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

- Menstrual cycle begins at puberty when gonadotropin hormones (FSH and LH) triggers development of ovarian follicles.
- Normally, growing ovarian follicles release estrogen hormone. Estrogen initiates building up of endometrial lining. LH causes ovulation.
- In this way menstrual cycle is regulated by FSH and LH.

The secretion of FSH and LH is regulated by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) by hypothalamus.
- When GnRH is not secreted from hypothalamus, anterior pituitary stops secreting FSH and LH.
- In absence of these hormones, female sex hormones declines.
- Due lack of growth of endometrial lining, it does not shed in menstrual phase of the cycle.

Causes of hypothalamic amenorrhea includes :

• Stress : Increased stress inihibts hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
• Increased levels of cortisol due to stress inhibits production of GnRH.
• Diet : Decreased calorie intake and heavy exercise leads to abnormal hypothalamic function.