Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy May Help Restore Ovulation. (Stress-Induced Anovulation).

DENVER -- A course of cognitive-behavioral therapy is highly effective for restoration of ovarian function in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, Dr. Sarah L. Berga reported at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society.

This psychological intervention also reduced the elevated cortisol secretion characteristic of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, a common disorder also known as stress-induced anovulation.

And these endocrine and reproductive health benefits were achieved without pharmacologic intervention, with its attendant costs and side effects, noted Dr. Berga, director of the clinical research center in the department of ob.gyn. and reproductive science at the University of Pittsburgh.

She reported on 14 normal-weight women who met stringent criteria for functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, including an absence of psychiatric conditions, eating disorders, or pituitary tumors.

The patients were randomized to 16 cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions or observation over a 20-week period. Six of seven CBT-treated women had full recovery, with return of normal menses and a serum estradiol in excess of 100 pg/mL and progesterone greater than 5 nmol/L.

One patient showed partial recovery, with a serum estradiol above 60 pg/mL but a progesterone of less than 5 nmol/L. In ...