Follicle-stimulating hormone does not directly regulate bone mass in human beings: evidence from nature.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of FSH levels in the development of human osteoporosis.


METHODS
Case-series study.


METHODS
Gynecology department in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
A total of 8 women diagnosed with Kallman syndrome (KS) were compared with 11 with Turner syndrome and 11 with pure gonadal dysgenesia (GD, karyotype 46,XX).


METHODS
We assessed the pituitary-gonadal axis, bone turnover markers, bone mass, and patient characteristics.


METHODS
Bone mineral density as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, plasma FSH, LH, E(2), osteocalcin (BGP), and urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide. Other biochemical markers included 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as parathyroid hormone and urine concentration of calcium and creatinine.


RESULTS
In girls with Turner syndrome and GD, FSH (64.03 +/- 29.2 and 90.08 +/- 22.41 mIU/mL, respectively) and LH (45.29 +/- 11.90 and 48.83 +/- 12.44 mIU/mL, respectively) levels were significantly higher compared with those observed in girls with KS (FSH: 1.87 +/- 0.64 and LH: 1.02 +/- 0.57), whereas no differences were detected in E(2) or bone marker levels. Bone mineral density correlated positively with FSH levels but not with E(2); however, after adjusting for previous growth-hormone therapy, these differences were not found. In addition, bone mineral density in spine and total hip was significantly lower in patients with KS.


CONCLUSIONS
Follicle-stimulating hormone does not appear to have a major role in the development of bone loss in young women with primary amenorrhea.
Castelo-Branco
Camil
C
Faculty of Medicine, Institut Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. castelobranco@ub.edu
León
Milagro
M
Durán
Magda
M
Balasch
Juan
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015519:Bone Density; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D023961:Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XX / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D006615:Hip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D017436:Kallmann Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human