Amenorrhea associated with carotenemia
E. Kemmann, S. A. Pasquale and R. Skaf
Data are presented for ten women with anovulation, nine of them with
amenorrhea, who have associated carotenemia. Classic explanations for
carotenemia in amenorrheic patients have been weight loss or anorexia
nervosa, yet carotenemia in our patients appeared to be diet induced. All
patients consumed a pure or predominantly vegetarian diet; there was no
intake of red meats. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients are
presented. The amenorrhea of the patient is consistent with hypothalamic
hypogonadotropic anovulation (HHA). It appeared that diet modification not
only led to reduction in carotene levels, but also improved the menstrual
status. The association of carotenemia and menstrual disorders is reviewed.
The possibility that carotenemia is related to the development of HHA is
discussed.
