Mood disorders and sexual 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.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, participants completed questionnaires on sexual function, depression, and anxiety.


METHODS
Tertiary care university hospital.


METHODS
Women with (n=41) and without (n=39) FHA recruited from a gynecologic endocrinology unit.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
The McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire assessed sexual function, and the Zung Scale measured depression and anxiety.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The psychologic symptoms that contribute to the onset of FHA partially mediate the relationship between FHA and sexual dysfunction.
Dundon
Carolyn M
CM
Psychology Department, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
Rellini
Alessandra H
AH
Tonani
Silvia
S
Santamaria
Valentina
V
Nappi
Rosella
R
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007027:Hypothalamic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008954:Models, Biological; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult