Abstract
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 “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.
Keywords
amenorrhea - estrogen - cardiovascular - premenopause
