Aetiology, previous menstrual function and patterns of neuro-endocrine disturbance as prognostic indicators in hypothalamic amenorrhoea.

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic amenorrhoea (HA) is a syndrome associated with infertility and osteopenia in reproductive-age women.

METHODS

To understand better the natural history of this disorder, 28 women participated in a retrospective, questionnaire-based analysis to elucidate factors associated with spontaneous recovery.

RESULTS

54% of subjects developed HA related to an eating disorder, 21% related to stress +/- weight loss, and 25% without obvious contributing factors (idiopathic). HA associated with a clear precipitant had a better prognosis than idiopathic HA (71 versus 29% recovery; P < 0.05). Reversal of the inciting factor appeared necessary but not sufficient for recovery (83% recovery if factor reversed). Normal menarche occurred in 61% of subjects, oligomenorrhoea in 32%, and primary amenorrhoea in 7%. Oligomenorrhoea and normal menarche showed a trend toward better prognosis than primary amenorrhoea (NS). Compared with controls, 46% of HA patients had decreased frequency of LH pulses, 7% decreased amplitude, 18% decreases in both frequency and amplitude, 18% absent pulses, and 11% normal-appearing pulses. Pulse pattern at baseline did not predict recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The aetiology of HA at the time of presentation predicts subsequent recovery of menstrual function. In stress, weight loss, or eating disorder-related HA, rates of recovery exceeded 80% when precipitating factors were reversed. Idiopathic HA may represent a different disorder as recovery rates were <30%.