title: Female hypogonadism: evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
abstract: Female hypogonadism refers to deficient or abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that clinically presents with menstrual cycle disturbances. Female hypogonadism can be due to a congenital or acquired cause, and the defect can be at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary or ovary. A careful history, physical exam and selected laboratory testing can often determine the locus of the defect and whether it results from a structural or hormonal problem. Laboratory testing generally relies on basal hormone levels; however, timing of blood sampling in relation to menses is important to interpretation of the data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Micol.Rothman@uchsc.edu
authors.forename: Micol S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Rothman
authors.forename: Margaret E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wierman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000097:blood; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D013963:Thyroid Hormones