Hypothalamic amenorrhea can be defined as the cessation of menstruationdue to a dysfunction of hypothalamic signals to the pituitarygland, resulting in a failure of ovulation. Typically, youngwomen who are affected by the condition have no obvious structuralabnormalities of the hypothalamus or the rest of the brain,pituitary gland, or ovaries. The common type of hypothalamicamenorrhea (also called functional amenorrhea) is a diagnosisof exclusion. Hyperprolactinemia, primary deficiency of gonadotropin-releasinghormone, and other hormonal abnormalities must be ruled out.Affected women are reportedly more likely to be underweight,athletic, engaged in "intellectual" professions, or exposedto . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
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