Clinical and biochemical discriminants between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Secondary oligo/amenorrhoea occurs in 3%-5% of women of reproductive age. The two most common causes are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2%-13%) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) (1%-2%). Whilst both conditions have distinct pathophysiology and their diagnosis is supported by guidelines, in practice, differentiating these two common causes of menstrual disturbance is challenging. Moreover, both diagnoses are qualified by the need to first exclude other causes of menstrual disturbance.

Aim

To review clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters that could aid the clinician in distinguishing PCOS and FHA as a cause of menstrual disturbance.

Results

FHA is uncommon in women with BMI > 24 kg/m² , whereas both PCOS and FHA can occur

SUBMITTER: Phylactou M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11497304 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature