Amenorrhea pathophysiology

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2]

Overview

Amenorrhea is defined as absence of menstrual cycle. The causes of amenorrhea include hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, uterine, and vaginal. About 25 different genes are involved in the pathogenesis of amenorrhea including 3 different groups of Kallmann syndrome related genes, hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis related genes, and obesity related genes. On gross pathology, normal endometrium is the characteristic findings of amenorrhea. Patients of amenorrhea from Craniopharyngioma as have cystic mass filled with motor oil-like fluid on gross pathology. On microscopic histopathological analysis, craniopharyngioma presents as trabecular squamous epithelium surrounded by palisaded columnar epithelium, small-to-medium sized cells with moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasm, bland nuclei, and calcifications. On microscopic histopathological analysis, pituitary adenoma as a cause of amenorrhea presents as loss of fibrous stroma and nested cells of normal anterior pituitary (based on the type of adenoma).

Pathophysiology

Physiology of normal puberty

Menarche and Menstruation

• The mean age for onset of menstruation is 12.43 years in US. About 80% of females experience menarche between 11 and 13.75 years of age.
• Almost all (98%) of females experience menarche by the age of 15.
• Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is the main factor in puberty onset.
  • GnRH is secreted by the neurosecretory neurons of hypothalamus into the hypophysial portal system, from where it is transferred to anterior pituitary gland.
  • GnRH stimulates production and secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
  • During puberty the amplitude and frequency of GnRH pulses is significantly increased.
  • GnRH secretion is regulated by certain neurotransmitters in brain, such as dopamine, endogenous opioids, norepinephrine, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). Alteration in level and function of these neurotransmitters may lead to specific types of amenorrhea. For example stress, exercise, and malnutrition affects CRH, β-endorphin, and dopamine, respectively.
• After the onset of puberty, the negative feedback on GnRH is removed.
• Pulsatile secretion of GnRH induce LH and FSH production which finally lead to ovulation.
• In the absence of fertilisation, the ovarian follicle is turned into corpus luteum. Endometrium proliferates through estrogen release from corpus luteum. Withdrawal of progesterone from estrogen-mediated proliferated endometrium results in menstrual bleeding.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis maturation

• After activation of the HPO axis during second trimester of pregnancy, the level of gonadotropins rises from mid to term pregnancy. After cessation of placental hormone feedback, FSH and LH increases again slightly to mild secondary peak.
• Before puberty, negative feedback from adrenal androgens keep the gonadotropins in low plasma level.
• Right before puberty, the sensitivity of hypothalamus to negative feedback from adrenal androgens is decreased. This leads to increased production of GnRH from hypothalamus and make it possible for GnRH to be raised in magnitude and frequency to induce an increase in LH and FSH.
• The complete maturation of HPO axis takes around 5-7 years from the onset of menstruation. Generally, during the first two years of menstruation, the cycles are mostly anovulatory due to immature HPO axis.

Pathogenesis

• Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstrual cycle.
  • Primary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual cycle by 16 years of age, in the presence of normal growth and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Secondary amenorrhea reflects absence of menstrual cycle for at least 3 months in a woman with normal menstruation cycles in the past.
• The pathophysiology of amenorrhea is multifactorial and include hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, uterine, and vaginal causes.

Hypothalamic pathogenesis

• The most common cause of amenorrhea in adolescents are hypothalamic disorders and is known as hypothalamic amenorrhea.
• During the initial 2-3 years after the onset of menarche, the HPO axis is still under development. Immature HPO axis may lead to anovulatory cycles which can cause abnormalities in menstrual cycles.
• The most common cause of amenorrhea after 2-3 years of onset of puberty include eating disorders, excessive exercise, medications, and psychosocial stress.
• Leptin plays an important role in energy consumption, body composition, food intake along with sexual maturation and reproductive improvement.
  • It is assumed that leptin plays a role in the development of hypothalamic amenorrhea.
  • Leptin receptors are in close relationship with hypothalamus and it is postulated that leptin regulates GnRH production and secretion.
  • Patients with anorexia nervosa or excessive exercise have amenorrhea from down-regulation of leptin receptors, which can be elevated by refeeding.
  • Leptin level in cachexic patients will increase after gaining appropriate weight in patients without amenorrhea, but will remain low in patients with amenorrhea.
• It has been observed that leptin levels in amenorrheic athletes are low as compared to non-athletes women or athletes with regular menses.
• Administration of recombinant leptin for 3 months in women with conditions such as hypothalamic amenorrhea, excessive exercises or weight loss has been associated with an increased level of LH, FSH, and estradiol leading to ovulatory cycles.
• Antipsychotic drugs and other medications that have an inhibitory effect on dopamine D2 receptor lead to an increased level of prolactin. Higher levels of prolactin suppress pulsatile GnRH secretion and block positive feedback of estradiol on hypothalamus, leading to disruption of HPO axis.
• Stress and strenuous activities like other metabolic or cardiovascular responses are regulated through corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), secreted by paraventricular nuclei of hypothalamus. CRH induce the release of β-endorphin, an endogenous opioid. Both CRH and β-endorphin suppress GnRH release. On the other hand, glucocorticoids suppress LH production from pituitary and also estrogen/progesterone from ovaries.
• Kallmann syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by KAL gene mutation, has disturbance in migration of olfactory nerves along with GnRH neurons. Lack of GnRH leads to absence of secondary sexual characteristics and amenorrhea.

Pituitary pathogenesis

• Prolactinoma is one of the most common anterior pituitary tumors. Prolactinoma leads to increased prolactin secretion and along with the tumor's mass effect may cause suppression of GnRH.
• The second most common tumor in the suprasellar region is craniopharyngioma. The tumor leads to LH and FSH disturbances, which may cause amenorrhea.

Thyroid pathogenesis

• In hypothyroidism, the main mechanism that can lead to amenorrhea is the influence of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) on lactotroph cells, increasing prolactin levels. Since the TRH is increased in hypothyroidism, it leads to functional hyperprolactinemia. The increase in prolactin may suppress the GnRH pulsatility and lead to amenorrhea.
• In hyperthyroidism, the mechanism of amenorrhea is not clear. It is assumed that increased level of sex hormone binding globulins (SHBGs) in hyperthyroidism may lead to increased levels of androgens and estrogen. Conclusively, the LH surge become absent and amenorrhea happens.

Adrenal pathogenesis

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic enzyme deficiencies in adrenal gland. Most common is the defect in 21-hydroxylase enzyme, which leads to decrease in the level of aldosterone and cortisol. To overcome the hormone deficiencies, CRH production is increased by the hypothalamus. As described earlier, increased level of CRH may suppress GnRH and lead to amenorrhea.
• Cushing syndrome has an increased level of cortisol, that can directly inhibit HPO axis and lead to amenorrhea.

Ovarian pathogenesis

• In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) insulin resistance leads to increased androgen production (insulin reduces the SHBG circulating in plasma, causing increased testosterone). In ovaries, increased stimulation from GnRH leads to increased production of 17-hydroxy progesterone and cytochrome P450c17 which promotes androgens biosynthesis. Finally, the pulsatility of GnRH will be disrupted leading to amenorrhea .
• Primary ovarian insufficiency is multifactorial and leads to ovarian failure and decrease in estrogen which leads to amenorrhea. (In galactosemia, it is assumed that galactose and its metabolites are toxic to ovarian tissue.)

Uterine pathogenesis

• The main pathogenesis of amenorrhea in androgen insensitivity syndrome is the absence of uterus. The patient is genotypically male, 46 XY; but with absent sexual characteristics due to lack of functional effect of androgen hormones on their receptors.
• One of the acquired conditions that can lead to amenorrhea is Asherman syndrome. The basis of Asherman syndrome is any condition that can alter the normal histology of endometrium, such as scarring from surgical procedure or adhesion from severe infection.
• Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome is complete agenesis of uterine, blind ended vagina. The lack of uterine and endometrium is the main pathogenesis of amenorrhea. The main reason of uterine agenesis is overactivation of anti-mullerian hormone in embryogenesis period. Cervical agenesis also follow the similar process.
• Imperforated hymen, transverse vaginal septum, and vaginal agenesis are other anatomical disorders of female reproductive system that can lead to amenorrhea.

Genetics

The major genes in amenorrhea

Groups	Gene	Other name(s)	OMIM number	Chromosome	Function	Other related disorders
Kallmann syndrome and Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism	KAL1	KAL1, anosmin-1	308700	Xp22.3	Migration of GnRH neurons Olfactory bulb development	Midline facial defects (cleft lip and/or cleft palate) Short metacarpals Renal agenesis Sensorineural hearing loss Bimanual synkinesis Oculomotor abnormalities Cerebellar ataxia
	FGFR1	KAL2	136350	8q12	Embryogenesis Homeostasis Wound healing Olfactory bulb differentiation and development GnRH neurons migration and function	Cleft palate or lip Dental agenesis Bimanual synkinesis
	PROKR2	KAL3	607123	20p13	Neuroendocrine system (arcuate nucleus, olfactory tract, and suprachiasmatic nucleus) Olfactory bulb development Gonadal development GnRH increase	Fibrous dysplasia Sleep disorder Severe obesity Synkinesis Epilepsy
	PROK2	KAL4	607002	3p21.1
	CHD7	KAL5	608892	8q12.1	Olfactory bulb development	CHARGE syndrome: Colobomata Heart anomalies Choanal Atresia Retardation Genital anomalies Ear anomalies
	FGF8	KAL6	600483	10q24	Primary generation of neural tissue Olfactory bulb differentiation and development GnRH neurons migration and function	Cardiac developmental abnormalities Craniofacial developmental abnormalities Forebrain developmental abnormalities Midbrain developmental abnormalities Cerebellar developmental abnormalities
	GPR54	KISS1R	604161	19p13.3	Regulation of GnRH secretion	-
	KISS1	KISS1, kisspeptin1	603286	1q32	Sexual maturation and HPG activation with pulsatile GnRH	-
	HS6ST1	-	604846	2q21	Extracellular sugar modifications FGFR-FGF interactions modulator Anosmin-1 interaction with cell membrane	-
	TAC3	NKB	162330	12q13–q21	HPG axis function Stabilize development during puberty Fetal gonadotropins secretion GnRH secretion regulation	Micropenis Cryptorchidism
	TACR3	NK3R	152332	4q25
	GnRH1	-	152760	8p21–8p11.2	One of the most important elements in HPG axis	Teeth abnormal maturation and biomineralization
	GnRHR	-	138850	4q21.2	Gonadal normal functions	Atrophic gonads along with low LH/FSH and sex hormones Sexual puberty disturbance Inability to conceive Failure to impact from exogenous GnRH
	NELF	-	608137	9q34.3	Modulating neuron migration in developmental process Olfactory axons and also GnRH neurons functions	-
	EBF2	-	609934	8p21.2	Effective role in HPG axis	-
HPG axis development	DAX1	NR0B	300473	Xp21.2	Increased expression during the spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis Both sertoli and leydig cells Peak expression during puberty	Congenital adrenal cortex hypoplasia
	SF-1	NR5A1	184757	9q33.3	Mainly expressed in sertoli and leydig cells Plays an important role in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis Dominantly expressed by leydig cells in puberty	Male pseudohermaphroditism Denys-Drash syndrome Hypospadias
	HESX-1	RPX	601802	3p14.3	Pituitary development Midfacial differentiation Mutation may lead to pituitary hypoplasia	Septooptic dysplasia Reduced prosencephalon Anophthalmia Microphthalmia Defective olfactory development Rathke pouch bifurcations Abnormalities in the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and septum pellucidum
	LHX3	LIM3	600577	9q34.3	Development of pituitary gland and its hormone secretion	Neonatal hypoglycemia Short neck with limited rotation Mild sensorineural hearing loss Skin laxity Skeletal abnormalities
	PROP-1	-	601538	5q35.3	Developing anterior pituitary gland Gonadotrophs Tthyrotrophs Somatotrophs Lactotrophs Low LH and FSH delay the puberty	Thyroid dysfunctions Growth retardation Libido/Lactation problems
Obesity related hypogonadotropic hypogonadism	LEP	OB	164160	7q32.1	Modulation of body weight Beginning the puberty Recombinant leptin injection in female mice result in puberty Increased about 50% just before puberty and also during the puberty	Hematopoiesis disorders Angiogenesis disorders Wound healing disorders Immune or inflammatory response disorders
	LEPR	OBR	601007	1p31.3
	PC1	NEC1	162150	5q15	Regulates neuroendocrine pathway Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage Processing proinsulin and proglucagon in pancreas.	Extreme childhood obesity Abnormal glucose homeostasis Hypocortisolism Elevated plasma proinsulin, and also POMC
Abbreviations (alphabetic): CHD7: Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 gene, DAX1: DSS-AHC on the X-chromosome 1, EBF2: Early B-cell factor 2 gene, FGF8: Fibroblast growth factor 8 gene, FGFR1: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 gene, FSH: Follicle stimulating hormone, GnRH: Gonadotropin releasing hormone, GnRH1: Gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 gene, GnRHR: Gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor gene, GPR54: G protein-coupled receptor-54 gene, HESX-1: Homeobox gene 1, HPG axis: Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, HS6ST1: Heparan sulfate 6-O-sulphotransferase 1 gene, KAL1: Kallmann syndrome 1 gene, LEP: Leptin gene, LEPR: Leptin receptor gene, LH: Luteinizing hormone, LHX3: LIM homeobox gene 3, NEC1: Neuroendocrine convertase 1, NELF: Nasal embryonic LH-releasing hormone factor gene, NK3R: Neurokinin 3 receptor gene, NKB: Neurokinin B gene, NR0B: Nuclear receptor 0B, NR5A1: Nuclear receptor 5A1, OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, PC1: Proprotein convertase 1, PROK2 : Prokineticin 2 gene, PROKR2: Prokineticin 2 receptor gene, PROP-1: PROP paired-like homeobox 1, RPX: Rathke pouch homeobox, SF-1: Steroidogenic factor 1, TAC3: Tachykinin 3 gene,TACR3: Tachykinin 3 receptor gene,

Kisspeptin system (KISS1R and KISS1)

• The GPR54 gene, also called KISS1R, with Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) number of 604161 is on chromosome 19p13.3. The KISS1 gene, also known as kisspeptin1, with OMIM number of 603286 is on chromosome 1q32.
• Kisspeptin and related G-protein coupled receptor (KISS1R or GPR54) have key roles in the regulation of GnRH secretion. The GnRH secretion has to be pulsatile to stimulate gonadotropins. Kisspeptins are encoded by KISS1 gene, neuropeptides secreted from hypothalamus nuclei. It has been observed that patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism have KISS1 receptor (GPR54) inactivating gene mutations.
• By the time of onset of puberty, the KISS1 genes become activated through neuroanatomical and functional changes from environmental triggers, critical for brain sexual maturation and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis) activation with pulsatile GnRH.
• Along HPG axis neurons, gamma-aminobutyric acid is inhibitory and glutamate is excitatory neurotransmitters. In related KNDy neurons in arcuate nucleus, the materials secreted are included kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A. Before puberty begins, inhibitory dynorphin A is the dominant element; decreased by stimulatory effect of neurokinin B, when puberty started. Conclusively, kisspeptin and GnRH/LH are increased.

Kallmann syndrome 1 (KAL1)

• The KAL1 gene, also called anosmin-1, with OMIM number of 308700 is on chromosome Xp22.3, and encodes an extracellular matrix glycoprotein.
• Anosmin-1 is expressed at five weeks of gestation in forebrain near olfactory bulbs and stimulate the afferent fibers projections around it.
• X-linked Kallmann syndrome is directly associated with KAL1 deletion. It is assumed to result in an absence of olfactory fibers along with disrupted migration of GnRH neurons, that are supposed to from migrated olfactory placode.
• Male patient with KAL1 mutation would have central hypogonadism and anosmia/hyposmia. Additionally, the more diseases are assumed to relate with KAL1 gene, such as midline facial defects (cleft lip and/or cleft palate), short metacarpals, renal agenesis, sensorineural hearing loss, bimanual synkinesis, oculomotor abnormalities, and cerebellar ataxia.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGFR1 and FGF8)

• The FGFR1 gene, also called KAL2, with OMIM number of 136350 is on chromosome 8q12, encode a receptor tyrosine kinase protein. The FGF8 gene, also called KAL6, is on chromosome 10q24.
• FGFR1 pathway is assumed to be the main role in embryogenesis, homeostasis, and wound healing. FGF8 plays a critical role in the primary generation of neural tissue.
• On the other hand, interaction between FGFR1, FGF8, and heparan sulfate helps the olfactory bulb to become differentiated and developed and also facilitates GnRH neurons in migration and function.
• Dominant deletion mutation of FGFR1 gene is associated with a 30% decrease in hypothalamic GnRH neurons. Other defects related to FGFR1 includes cleft palate or lip, dental agenesis and bimanual synkinesis.

Heparan sulfate 6-O-sulphotransferase 1 (HS6ST1)

• The HS6ST1 gene with OMIM number of 604846 is on chromosome 2q21 has been found to be mutated in hypogonadism.

• The modifications of heparan sulfate polysaccharides in extracellular matrix have some role in FGFR-FGF and also anosmin1-cell membrane interactions.
• This gene may be mutated in both Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadism resulting in various courses, disruption pf frequency of GnRH secretion, and/or GnRH deficiencies.

Prokineticin 2 and prokineticin 2 receptor (PROK2 and PROKR2)

• The PROK2 and PROKR2 genes, also called KAL4 and KAL3, with OMIM numbers of 607002 and 607123 are on chromosomes 3p21.1 and 20p13, respectively. They are believed to be a cause of Kallmann syndrome.
• PROKR2 is a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), has a major role in olfactory bulb development; and its mutation may lead to severe gonadal atrophy.
• In prokineticin system, there are two receptors (PROKR1 and PROKR2) and two ligands (PROK1 and PROK2). PROK1 and its receptor (PROKR1) have some role in gastrointestinal system motility. PROK2 and PROKR2 are parts of neuroendocrine system, located in arcuate nucleus, olfactory tract, and suprachiasmatic nucleus.
• The mutated versions of PROK2 and PROKR2 could lead to decrease GnRH production and hypogonadism. Other disorders caused by PROK2 and PROKR2 mutations include fibrous dysplasia, sleep disorder, severe obesity, synkinesis, and epilepsy.

Tachykinin 3 and tachykinin 3 receptor (TAC3 and TACR3)

• The TAC3 and TACR3 genes, also called neurokinin B (NKB) and neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R), with OMIM numbers of 162330 and 152332, are on chromosomes 12q13–q21 and 4q25, respectively.
• It is postulated that the normal function of TAC3/TACR3 system is necessary for an intact HPG axis and its development during puberty. On the other hand, TAC3/TACR3 system disturbance may cause micropenis and cryptorchidism in males, showing the major role of TAC3/TACR3 in fetal gonadotropins secretion.
• TACR3 encoded protein (NK3R) is GPCR, initially produced in central nervous system. The major mechanism, through which the mutated gene may lead to neuroendocrine disturbance and delayed puberty, is not yet discovered completely.
• TAC3 encoded protein (NKB) is produced in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus and play an important role in GnRH secretion. Kisspeptin is also produced and secreted in arcuate nucleus, whereas, both of them are inhibited by estrogen. It may be considered that kisspeptin and NKB have identical roles in diverting negative feedback from sex hormones to GnRH. Their mutation has been shown to be related with hypogonadism.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone and its receptor (GnRH1 and GnRHR)

• The GnRH1 and GnRHR genes with OMIM numbers of 152760 and 138850 are on chromosomes 8p21–8p11.2 and 4q21.2, respectively.
• In HPG axis, GnRH is one of the most effective elements; therefore, a defect could directly influence the axis and slow down the progress.
• The GnRHR gene is also responsible for gonadal normal functions and its mutation could lead to hypogonadism and delayed puberty. The mutation in GnRHR has also been associated with conditions such as atrophic gonads along with low LH/FSH and sex hormones, sexual puberty disturbance, inability to conceive, and failure to impact from exogenous GnRH.
• GnRH1 and GnRHR genes have variable expression and cause a spectrum of symptoms, from fertile eunuch syndrome and partial idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to complete GnRH resistance (i.e., characterized by cryptorchidism), microphallus, very low LH/FSH, and delayed puberty.
• The other disorders that have been found to be related to GnRH mutation are tooth maturation and biomineralization.

Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7)

• The CHD7 gene, also called as KAL5, with OMIM number of 608892 is on chromosome 8q12.1.
• CHD7 gene mutation results in autosomal dominant CHARGE syndrome, which is a combination of hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome, and includes:
  • Coloboma
  • Heart anomalies
  • Choanal Atresia
  • Retardation
  • Genital anomalies
  • Ear anomalies
• Screening for CHD7 gene mutation may be done in patients with hypogonadism or Kallmann syndrome with specific features such as semicircular canal hypoplasia or aplasia, dysmorphic ears, and deafness.

Nasal embryonic LH-releasing hormone factor (NELF)

• The NELF gene with OMIM number of 608137 is on chromosome 9q34.3; present mostly in nervous tissues specifically during fetal development and may be found in olfactory bulb and pituitary LH releasing cells.
• The most common function is in olfactory axons and GnRH neurons, before and during neuron migration in the developmental process.

Early B-cell factor 2 (EBF2)

• The EBF2 gene with OMIM number of 609934 is on chromosome 8p21.2; mostly expressed in mice osteoblasts and osteoclast cells.
• EBF2 gene plays an effective role in HPG axis. Mutation in EBF2 gene can result in disruption of HPG axis, leading to secondary hypogonadism.

DSS-AHC on the X-chromosome 1 (DAX1)

• The DAX1 gene, also called nuclear receptor 0B (NR0B), with OMIM number of 300473 is on chromosome Xp21.2, and expressed in all members of HPG axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads).
• During the spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, both sertoli and leydig cells have increased expression of DAX1 gene. It is assumed that during puberty, the peak expression of DAX1 is observed.
• Other disease that can be caused by DAX1 mutation is congenital adrenal cortex hypoplasia.

Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)

• The SF1 gene, also called nuclear receptor 5A1 (NR5A1), with OMIM number of 184757 is on chromosome 9q33.3, has some role in reproduction, steroidogenesis, and sexual differentiation.
• It is mainly expressed in sertoli and leydig cells, and plays an important role in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. The SF1 is believed to have an increase in expression from childhood until adolescence, and is dominantly expressed by leydig cells in puberty.
• Other diseases that may be caused by SF1 mutation include male pseudohermaphroditism, Denys-Drash syndrome, and also hypospadias.

Homeobox gene 1 (HESX1)

• The HESX1 gene, also called Rathke pouch homeobox (RPX), with OMIM number of 601802 is on chromosome 3p14.3, initially expressed during embryogenesis and help the formation of Rathke pouch and anterior pituitary.
• HESX1 gene has an important role in pituitary development and midfacial differentiation. Mutation may lead to pituitary hypoplasia and decreased level of all anterior pituitary hormones.
• Other disorders resulting from HESX1 mutation include septo optic dysplasia, reduced prosencephalon, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, defective olfactory development, Rathke pouch bifurcations, and abnormalities in the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and septum pellucidum.

LIM homeobox gene 3 (LHX3)

• The LHX3 gene, also called LIM3, with OMIM number of 600577 is on chromosome 9q34.3, mainly expressed in developing anterior pituitary gland.
• LHX3 gene function is important in development of pituitary gland and pituitary hormones secretion. Mutation in the LHX3 gene may result in combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD).
• LHX3 gene mutation may also result in neonatal hypoglycemia, short neck with limited rotation, mild sensorineural hearing loss, skin laxity, and skeletal abnormalities.

PROP paired-like homeobox 1 (PROP1)

• The PROP1 gene with OMIM number of 601538 is on chromosome 5q35.3, with a role in developing anterior pituitary gland and associated cells such as gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, somatotrophs, and lactotrophs.
• Mutated PROP1 gene can lead to deficiency of LH, FSH, GH, TSH, and prolactin. Decreased level of LH and FSH may also delay or inhibit the onset of puberty.
• Pituitary hormones have a vital role in regulating other endocrine organs via TRH, ACTH, FSH or LH and a mutation in PROP1 gene can lead to thyroid dysfunctions, growth retardation, and libido/lactation problems.

Leptin and leptin receptor (LEP and LEPR)

• The LEP and LEPR genes, also called OB and OBR, with OMIM numbers of 164160 and 601007 are on chromosomes 7q32.1 and 1p31.3, respectively; with a major role in modulation of body weight.
• These genes are believed to carry the message of onset of puberty. Recent studies have shown that recombinant leptin injection in female mice may result in puberty and cure their maturation (secondary sexual characteristics) problems.
• It has been observed that leptin levels increase by 50% just before the onset of puberty and during puberty.
• Mutation in LEP and LEPR genes may result in dysfunctional hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, wound healing, and the immune or inflammatory response.

Proprotein convertase 1 (PC1)

• The PC1 gene, also known as neuroendocrine convertase 1 (NEC1), with OMIM number of 162150 is on chromosome 5q15, and regulates neuroendocrine pathway.
• PC1 gene has a dominant role in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage. PC1 gene also has a role in processing proinsulin and proglucagon in pancreas.
• Recent studies have shown that PC1 gene mutation and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may result in extreme childhood obesity, abnormal glucose homeostasis, hypocortisolism, elevated plasma proinsulin, and POMC concentrations.

Makorin RING-finger protein 3 (MKRN3)

• Newly discovered MKRN3 gene has a role in ubiquitination and cell signaling. The gene family proteins are majorly expressed in fetal brain during development, especially in arcuate nucleus.
• The process of gene amplification is on its peak after birth, which gradually declines with time, and finally rises again with onset of puberty. Thus MKRN3 gene is believed to be one of the factors in onset of puberty, along with kisspeptins and neurokinin B.

Estrogen receptor α (ESR1)

• Estrogen receptor mutations are very rare, and were reported in a case report of delayed puberty.
• Estradiol promotes breast maturation and provides negative feedback to hypothalamus and pituitary, by means of estrogen receptor α (encoded by ESR1 gene).
• Female mice with mutated ESR1 gene have hypoplastic uterus with hemorrhage, multicystic ovary without corpus luteum; which is make them infertile.

Associated Conditions

The associated conditions that are related to amenorrhea, are as following:

Gross Pathology

Gross pathology of craniopharyngioma in third ventricle brain, biphasic mixture - Source: Librepathology

• On gross pathology, normal endometrium in proliferative or luteal phases are characteristic findings of amenorrhea.
• In cases of amenorrhea which are secondary to other causes, the related gross pathology would be seen.
• Craniopharyngioma on gross pathology presents as cystic mass filled with motor oil-like fluid.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Microscopic Pathology

• On microscopic histopathological analysis, craniopharyngioma as a cause of amenorrhea will have the following features:
  • Trabecular squamous epithelium surrounded by palisaded columnar epithelium
  • Small-to-medium sized cells with moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasm
  • Bland nuclei
  • Calcifications
• On microscopic histopathological analysis, pituitary adenoma as a cause of amenorrhea will have the following features:
  • Loss of fibrous stroma
  • Nested cells of normal anterior pituitary (based on the type of adenoma)

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  Craniopharyngioma; with psammoma bodies - by Jensflorian source: Librepathology

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  Craniopharyngioma; with calcification and two types of epithelium - by Sarahkayb source: Librepathology

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  Craniopharyngioma; multicystic texture - by Jensflorian source: Librepathology

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  Pituitary adenoma of lactotroph cells (prolactin producing) - by Jensflorian source: Librepathology

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  Pituitary adenoma of lactotroph cells (prolactin producing) regression after treatment - by Jensflorian source: Librepathology

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  Pituitary adenoma of thyrotroph cells (TSH producing) - by Jensflorian source: Librepathology