Cited by 1,412Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormonesOvarian function and disordersReproductive Biology and Fertility

Menstrual cycles: fatness as a determinant of minimum weight for height necessary for their maintenance or onset

Frisch, Rose E., McArthur, Janet W.·1974·Science

Abstract

Weight loss causes loss of menstrual function (amenorrhea) and weight gain restores menstrual cycles. A minimal weight for height necessary for the onset of or the restoration of menstrual cycles in cases of primary or secondary amenorrhea due to undernutrition is indicated by an index of fatness of normal girls at menarche and at age 18 years, respectively. Amenorrheic patients of ages 16 years and over resume menstrual cycles after weight gain at a heavier weight for a particular height than is found at menarche. Girls become relatively and absolutely fatter from menarche to age 18 years. The data suggest that a minimum level of stored, easily mobilized energy is necessary for ovulation and menstrual cycles in the human female.

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Crossref · 10.1126/science.185.4155.949

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26 of 26 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Animal and human studies in the 1960s and 1970s showed that the proper function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is gated by metabolic and nutritional factors.

    “Animal and human studies in the 1960s and 1970s showed that the proper function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is gated by metabolic and nutritional factors.91,92”

    From Pubertal development and regulation (2016) · cites this paper as [92]

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Authors
Frisch, R. E., & McArthur, J. W.
Affiliations
  • Harvard University (US)
  • Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
Venue
Science
Published
1974-09-13
Volume
185
Issue
4155
Pages
949-951
ISSN
  • 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
  • 1095-9203
OpenAlex
W2049850715
Cited by
1,412
References
26
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 32 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 31
FWCI
15.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Reproductive Biology and Fertility
Keywords
menstrual cycle, amenorrhea, weight-for-height, fat mass, malnutrition, menarche, weight gain, weight loss, ovulation, energy reserves
MeSH terms
Adipose Tissue, Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Amenorrhea, Anorexia Nervosa, Body Water, Body Weight, Europe, Female, Humans, Menarche, Menstruation, United States

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