Mood disorders andsexual functioning in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Objective: To investigate the sexual function of women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) and to test the mediating effects of depression and anxiety on the sexual functioning of women with FHA. Design: In this cross-sectional study, participants completed questionnaires on sexual function, depression, and anxiety. Setting: Tertiary care university hospital. Patient(s): Women with (n = 41) and without (n = 39) FHA recruited from a gynecologic endocrinology unit. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): The McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire assessed sexual function, and the Zung Scale measured depression and anxiety. Result(s): Women with FHA experienced more sexual function problems and significantly higher depression and anxiety compared to women without menstrual dysfunction. In addition, depression offered a significant explanation for the sexual problems experienced by women with FHA. Conclusion(s): The psychologic symptoms that contribute to the onset of FHA partially mediate the relationship between FHA and sexual dysfunction. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:2239-43. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)