Which condition can lead to pituitary dysfunction causing secondary amenorrhea?

Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, also known as prolactinomas, are tumors of the pituitary gland that produce excess prolactin. Elevated levels of prolactin can lead to disruptions in the normal regulatory functions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This hormonal imbalance can inhibit the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are crucial for regular menstrual cycles, and their deficiency can lead to secondary amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation in someone who previously had regular cycles.

In contrast, hypothalamic disorders can also cause secondary amenorrhea by disrupting the signals that the hypothalamus sends to the pituitary gland; however, the primary dysfunction and subsequent amenorrhea in this case is more directly attributed to the abnormal hormone production caused by the adenoma. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and excessive exercise can lead to hormonal imbalances and secondary amenorrhea as well, but they primarily affect ovarian function or overall endocrine health rather than causing direct dysfunction of the pituitary gland itself. Therefore, the specific link between prolact