Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) refers to a condition in which your hypothalamus results in the stopping of your periods. It is also known as Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea or FHA.
The hypothalamus is the control center of one’s brain and has several functions. It is responsible for hunger, body temperature, and certain reproductive functions.
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) is a symptom in itself. However, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea can lead to several other range of symptoms.
These symptoms often include physical changes like low weight and irregular menstruation. It may also give rise to psychological symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss the Hypothalamic Amenorrhea symptoms in detail.
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Symptoms
While Amenorrhea symptoms primarily revolve around the absence of menstruation, FHA usually comprises a collection of symptoms.
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), FHA is responsible for about 20-30% of Secondary Amenorrhea in women or Assigned Women at Birth (AFAB). This condition affects about 1.62 million women between 18 and 44 years old in the US.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with FHA are as follows:
- Low body weight
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Irregularities in the menstrual cycle
Besides these symptoms, some women may also experience psychological symptoms like Stress and Anxiety.
Let’s proceed further and discuss the above-mentioned symptoms of HA in detail.
Absence or Irregularities in Menstruation
Source: pixelshotOne of the primary signs of FHA is the absence or irregularities in the menstruation of an individual.
According to research, experts diagnose Hypothalamic Amenorrhea when they discard any other possible causes of Amenorrhea. The irregularities in menstruation, in this case, usually remain for three or more consecutive months.
While some may experience spotting during periods, others may notice their periods have completely stopped. However, some individuals may experience period cramps even in these cases.
Do you know there may be several reasons for missed periods, depending on the individual? To learn more about these reasons, read Uncovering The Reasons For Missed Period: A Comprehensive Guide.
Low Body Weight
Weight loss or low body weight is often associated with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, which mainly happens in adolescents and women of reproductive age.
This type of Amenorrhea usually arises due to restrictive eating orders or excessive exercise. The hypothalamus is very sensitive to the energy availability of an individual.
In this case, the hypothalamus suppresses the reproductive function in response to inadequate caloric intake or excessive energy loss. This excessive energy loss or inadequate eating ultimately results in FHA.
Hence, losing body weight is one of the remarkable symptoms of FHA.
Hormonal Imbalance
Another notable symptom of Functional Hypothalamic Symptom is hormonal imbalance. The imbalance in certain hormones is usually responsible for irregularities in the menstrual cycle and can sometimes lead to anovulation.
Due to FHA, individuals may notice a suppression in their Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH), low Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
Likewise, these hormonal disturbances can indicate improper functioning of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Psychological Stress and Amenorrhea
Source: getty_imagesPsychological stressors like chronic stress, Anxiety, or Depression are also important signs of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea in women. These factors can often affect one’s menstrual cycle.
According to a study, Stress-associated Amenorrhea is usually found in young reproductive-aged adults and is termed Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.
These factors can disrupt hypothalamic functions and negatively affect the secretion of different reproductive hormones.
This disruption ultimately leads to irregular ovulation and causes problems with periods.
Conclusion
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is a condition where the hypothalamus causes your periods to stop. Its symptoms comprise a range of signs that are important for the diagnosis of this condition and vary for every individual.
One of the common symptoms of FHA is the absence or irregularities in the menstrual cycle. This symptom may last for three or more consecutive months and is also accompanied by cramps.
Some women may notice low body weight and fatigue due to low-calorie intake and excessive exercise during this condition. In these cases, the hypothalamus stops the reproductive functions to fill the gap of low calories or energy, leading to irregular periods.
Additionally, FHA is also connected to an imbalance in important hormones, which are responsible for regular ovulation and menstruation.
In some cases, Stress and Anxiety may also appear as signs of this condition.
It is always best to consult an expert if you are experiencing any of these Hypothalamic Amenorrhea symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some Hypothalamic Amenorrhea recovery symptoms?
A person can experience several Hypothalamic Amenorrhea recovery symptoms. These symptoms include the restoration of periods, increased energy levels, and improved mood.
Additionally, one may also notice better hormonal balance, improved bone density, and a reduction in hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Is Insomnia a symptom of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Yes, Insomnia can be a symptom of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. This happens due to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, affecting sleep patterns.
Stress, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors associated with HA may also result in sleep disturbances.
What is the diagnosis procedure of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Diagnosis of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea involves a detailed examination, which includes medical history, physical examination, and ruling out other causes of Amenorrhea.
The main symptoms for diagnosis include the absence of menstruation for at least three continuous months, along with low levels of Estrogen and other reproductive hormones.
Can you prevent Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Yes, you can prevent Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet to support adequate nutrition, moderate exercise, and stress management, can help prevent Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.
One should also avoid excessive exercise, extreme weight loss, and chronic stress, which can help reduce the risk of HA.
Are there any long-term effects of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Yes, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea can lead to long-term health effects such as reduced bone density (Osteoporosis), increased risk of fractures, Infertility, and cardiovascular problems.
Hormonal imbalances associated with HA may also impact an individual’s overall health and well-being if it is not treated properly.
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