Female hypogonadism: evaluation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis

Abstract

Female hypogonadism refers to deficient or abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that clinically presents with menstrual cycle disturbances. Female hypogonadism can be due to a congenital or acquired cause, and the defect can be at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary or ovary. A careful history, physical exam and selected laboratory testing can often determine the locus of the defect and whether it results from a structural or hormonal problem. Laboratory testing generally relies on basal hormone levels; however, timing of blood sampling in relation to menses is important to interpretation of the data.

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels correlate with ovarian response in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

“…Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is the most common cause of hypogonadism that mainly refer to congenital deficiency of GnRH secretion or abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis [17]. The clinical presentation of IHH could either be related with primary amenorrhea or with delayed puberty in association with small ovaries comprising a large cohort of arrested follicles.…”

Effect of Wujijing Oral Liquid on menstrual disturbance of women

“…A functional abnormality of the hypothalamicpituitary-ovarian axis was present in the majority of women with menstrual disturbance (Wiksten-Almströmer et al, 2007;Mansfield and Emans, 1984;Rothman and Wierman, 2008). In a report by Liedman et al, they investigated differences in plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones in women with primary dysmenorrhea vs. healthy controls.…”

Gonadal dysfunction and pelvic sonographic findings in females with thalassaemia major

“…Irregular menstrual cycles were characterized by menses with unpredictable and variable intervals. Hypogonotropic hypogonadism was diagnosed in patients with oligoor amenorrhea based on low estradiol levels and low or normal FSH and LH levels [7].…”