Reversibility of disturbed pituitary function in pediatric conditions with psychological stressors: implications for clinical practice

Abstract

The complex communication network between the central nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis forms the basis of endocrine functional plasticity, which facilitates adaptation to changing internal and external conditions, but also makes it vulnerable to the negative effects of stressful psychological factors. Herein, clinical conditions such as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, eating disorders, growth faltering, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pubertal disorders that may emerge during childhood or adolescence, their origin possibly including psychological stressors, are analyzed regarding their genetic susceptibility and reversibility of endocrine function. A discussion on the optimization of therapeutic management defined by managing stress and maximizing the degree and rate of reversibility follows.

Keywords: Eating disorders; Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea; Hypopituitarism; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Psychological stressors; Short stature.