last updated 20-11-2024

Female hypogonadism

Female hypogonadism

Several forms of hypogonadism exist, depending on the cause. A disorder on the level of the pituitary usually results in low levels of circulating FSH and LH (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). In this case, the ovaries do not receive enough input in order to produce mature eggs and adequate amounts of steroid hormones. On the other hand, FSH and LH levels can be very high, due to dysfunctioning gonads (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism). Different causes for hypogonadism are mentioned below.Symptoms of hypogonadism can include infertility and disorders of the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea).

 

 

Gonadotropin therapy is used to treat anovulation on the level of the pituitary or ovary and for assisted procreation as in vitro fertilisation, intra-uterine insemination. Beyond child wish, a combination of estrogen/progesterone or androgen substitution is required in primary hypogonadism.

Causes of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in women: Turner syndrome, ovary resistance, gonadal agenesia

Causes of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in women: stress, anorexia, top-class sport.

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Anorexia nervosa can lead to which type of hypogonadism?

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