What hormone levels are expected in amenorrhea secondary to hypothalamic dysfunction?

In cases of amenorrhea due to hypothalamic dysfunction, the expected hormonal profile typically includes low estradiol levels along with normal or low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and when it is not functioning properly, there is inadequate secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This lack of GnRH results in decreased stimulation of the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH, leading to low levels of these hormones.

Low estradiol is a direct consequence of reduced ovarian stimulation due to low FSH and LH levels, which ultimately affects the ovaries’ ability to produce this key hormone. Therefore, the combination of low estradiol and low or normal FSH and LH levels is indicative of hypothalamic dysfunction, which is why this answer is the most appropriate for describing the hormonal levels in this context.