The role of follicle-stimulating hormone in the depletion of follicular reserve: menopause in a woman with hypogonadotropic hypoestrogenic amenorrhea: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of FSH in the depletion of follicular reserve in a human being.


METHODS
Prospective evaluation of a very rare case.


METHODS
Academic research environment.


METHODS
A 43-year-old woman with primary hypogonadotropic hypoestrogenic amenorrhea, with very low levels of plasma FSH throughout her life.


METHODS
Pulsatile GnRH was administered IV at the dose of 4 micrograms every 90 minutes for 20 days. Blood samples were collected every 3 to 4 days.


METHODS
Plasma levels of E2, FSH, and LH.


RESULTS
During the 20 days of treatment there was no increase in E2 plasma levels. On the contrary, FSH and LH levels began to rise after 3 days and reached postmenopausal levels within 20 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Depletion of follicular reserve may occur also when the levels of FSH are very low throughout a woman's life. Thus FSH seems only able to rescue follicles from atresia without interfering with the onset of menopause.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
V
V
Mais
S
S
Ajossa
S
S
Guerriero
A M
AM
Paoletti
G B
GB
Melis
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000097:blood*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D010062:Ovulation Induction
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone