Hot flashes in patients with hypogonadism and low serum gonadotropin levels.
OBJECTIVE
To augment the number of cases in the literature describing patients with hot flashes due to hypopituitarism or hypothalamic hypogonadism.


METHODS
We reviewed medical records for hot flashes in our patients with low sex hormone levels and low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels, and we inquired about hot flashes in new patients with these hormone patterns. A comprehensive literature review on this subject was also completed.


RESULTS
In our medical records, we found 14 patients with hot flashes, low sex hormone levels, and low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels. In this group of patients, 10 had hypopituitarism and 6 had hypothalamic hypogonadism; 2 patients had both conditions. Hormone replacement therapy successfully relieved or substantially decreased the hot flashes in all 8 patients treated. A review of the literature revealed 17 patients with hot flashes and hypopituitarism and another 5 patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism.


CONCLUSIONS
Hot flashes as a manifestation of low sex hormone levels and associated with low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels occur in patients with hypopituitarism and hypothalamic hypogonadism. Sex hormone replacement therapy alleviates the symptoms.
Gordon
Donald L
DL
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Emanuele
Mary Ann
MA
D005260:Female; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood* / Q000172:deficiency; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology
D006062:Gonadotropins