Mood disorders and sexual functioning in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

ObjectiveTo 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.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, participants completed questionnaires on sexual function, depression, and anxiety.SettingTertiary 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.