Hypothalamic hypogonadism: induction of ovulation and pregnancy by subcutaneous pulsatile injections of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.
5 female patients with isolated hypothalamic hypogonadism were given subcutaneous pulses of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 2.5-15 micrograms every 90 min, for 2-6 months by means of an automated pump. This treatment produced an increase in serum LH, FSH, and estradiol levels in 4 patients, all of whom became pregnant. The estradiol levels failed to rise in 1 patient, in spite of an adequate LH and FSH response, and a subsequent biopsy showed evidence of primary ovarian failure in addition to the hypothalamic deficit. We conclude that subcutaneous pulsatile GnRH administration is a simple, safe, and relatively inexpensive way to induce ovulation in patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism.
D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007027:Hypothalamic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy
D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone