Psychological, hormonal, and weight disturbances in functional amenorrhea

The authors studied functional secondary amenorrhea in young women. There was a high incidence of weight disturbance. Hormone assays demonstrated a diminution of hypothalamic-pituitary function in the underweight group. The findings from psychiatric interviews and psychological testing revealed the prevalence of psychopathology with disorders of self concept, confusion of body image, faulty mechanisms of defence in dealing with affects and impulses and disturbances of interpersonal relationships. The onset of amenorrhea was often related to situations of stress. The results suggested that psychological factors were primary in the development of functional secondary amenorrhea.