Differential diagnosis of various forms of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

Abstract

Aim. To investigate the usefulness of differential diagnostic criteria of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) related to energy deficiency and stress. Materials and methods. There were provided clinical and laboratory examination of 56 patients with FHA associated with stressful events (group 1) and 64 patients with FHA on the background of eating disorders (group 2), including assessment of adipose tissue, determination of leptin level, adipose tissue index and differential index. Results. Patients of group 2 were distinguished by a more significant deficiency of body mass index, total body fat, and leptin levels in comparison with patients of group 1. The differential index [AUC=0.907 (0.84-0.97)] turned out to be the most informative indicator in the differential diagnosis of various forms of FHA, its threshold value was 21.4, the least informative - body mass index [AUC=0.78 (0.71-0.87)]. Conclusion. The differential index can be considered as an informative differential diagnostic criterion for various forms of FHA.

Keywords

• energy balance
• amenorrhea
• leptin
• body fat
• functional hypothalamic amenorrhea