Menarche and subsequent ovarian function in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The mean age at menarche in 6 girls on treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia from infancy was 13.6 years (range 12.6-14.5 years). Menarche or regular menses did not occur until plasma testosterone concentrations were within normal limits. This was achieved using single daily dexamethasone, 0.25-0.75 mg/day. The potency of this glucocorticoid in suppressing adrenal steroid biosynthesis relative to cortisol is about 80:1. The onset of regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles, as judged by daily salivary progesterone profiles, was achieved within 2-3 years of menarche using this treatment regimen. Such patients have a good prognosis for normal fertility.
D000293:Adolescent; D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008572:Menarche; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010060:Ovulation; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone