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Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Meaning

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a clinical condition characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles for three or more months, which is not due to organic disease but rather to reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. This endocrine disorder is typically triggered by a triad of physiological stressors: low energy availability (due to excessive exercise or inadequate caloric intake), significant psychological stress, or profound weight loss. FHA represents the body’s protective mechanism, temporarily shutting down the energy-intensive reproductive system to prioritize survival. Restoring hormonal balance requires addressing the underlying energetic and psychological deficit.