Britannica AI Icon

hypothalamic amenorrhea

pathology

Quick Summary

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is the absence or suppression of menstruation, a condition that can stem from disruptions in the intricate hormonal balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus. This specific type of amenorrhea is often triggered by emotional shock, anxiety, fear, certain medications, or injuries affecting the hypothalamus. Psychological or emotional factors are common culprits, though nervous system infections can also play a role. It's important to note that amenorrhea itself is not a disease but rather an indicator of an underlying issue within the reproductive system's regulatory mechanisms.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.