Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin therapy can improve sensitivity to exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with secondary amenorrhea.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of supplementing an ovulation induction regimen of highly purified FSH with LH activity in the form of low-dose hCG therapy.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
The Reproductive Endocrinology Center at the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.


METHODS
A woman with weight-related secondary hypogonadotropic amenorrhea.


METHODS
The patient was treated first with highly purified FSH alone and then received highly purified FSH in combination with low-dose hCG therapy (50 IU/d).


METHODS
Pelvic ultrasound examinations, serum E2 levels, duration of treatment, total dose of highly purified FSH, and outcome of treatment.


RESULTS
The concomitant administration of low-dose hCG and highly purified FSH markedly reduced the duration of treatment and the dose of highly purified FSH, and resulted in a quadruplet pregnancy in a patient in whom several previous ovulation induction procedures had been unsuccessful.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation of an ovulation induction regimen with an agent that has LH activity can enhance FSH-induced folliculogenesis and markedly reduce costs in women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. However, this increased response can be associated with complications such as multiple gestation.
Filicori
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology Center, University of Bologna, Italy. filicori@med.unibo.it
Cognigni
G E
GE
Taraborrelli
S
S
Spettoli
D
D
Ciampaglia
W
W
de Fatis
C T
CT
D000293:Adolescent; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone