Endocrine Abstracts

Hypothalamic amenorrhea, characterized by suppressed GnRH secretion, occurs when energy output is greater than energy intake. Leptin concentrations, which reflect adipose stores and energy availability, are low in hypothalamic amenorrhea. Our study and others provide evidence that leptin is the critical link between energy stores and normal reproductive function.Evidence that leptin is critical for reproduction comes from the onset of pubertal developmen...