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Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

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Pituitary Disorders of Childhood

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Abstract

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition characterized by suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, with low circulating estradiol and chronic anovulation. FHA does not have an organic cause and is, therefore, a diagnosis of exclusion. This diagnosis often occurs in the setting of low energy availability and can be associated with excessive exercise, dieting, and/or stress. FHA can have acute and chronic medical sequelae secondary to hypoestrogenism. Management options include nutritional rehabilitation, mental health support such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and short-term hormone replacement as part of a multidisciplinary integrated approach.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Rula V. Kanj

  2. Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Catherine M. Gordon

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  1. Rula V. Kanj
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  2. Catherine M. Gordon
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Correspondence to Catherine M. Gordon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Brenda Kohn

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Kanj, R.V., Gordon, C.M. (2019). Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. In: Kohn, B. (eds) Pituitary Disorders of Childhood. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11339-1_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11339-1_14

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-11338-4

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