Abstract: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is characterized by the low levels of serum gonadotropin and estrogen in young women, in which the organic lesion of hypothalamus and hypophysis has been excluded. FHA has negative effects on the cardiovascular system, skeletal system, reproductive system and mental health of patients. Many factors may induce FHA, such as excessive exercise, nutritional deficiencies, dieting, and mental stress, or the combination of those factors. The treatment of FHA should be comprehensive, including the increased weight, the reduced strenuous-exercise, gonadotropin releasing hormone pulse therapy, hormone replacement therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The research progress of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is reviewed.

Key words: Amenorrhea, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, Exercise, Weight loss, Anorexia nervosa, Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea