Adult-onset idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and pregnancy in a 35-year-old woman: a case report
Kauffman, R.P.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 53(2): 132-134
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 18357806 Document Number: 621019
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare condition characterized by low gonadotropin production, absent or incomplete puberty and absence of a central nervous system tumor. An adult-onset form of IHH has been found previously only in men.CASE: A 35-year-old woman completed puberty and experienced monthly menstrual cycles for 5 years before developing hypogonadotropic secondary amenorrhea that lasted for 17 years. Clinical evaluation - failed to explain her prolonged hypogonadotropic amenorrhea, and successful pregnancy was completed following induction of ovulation with exogenous gonadotropin therapy.CONCLUSION: This case may represent an extreme of the phenotypic spectrum of IHH that has been previously reported to occur in men only. In gonadotropin-sensitive women, pregnancy may be achieved with administration of exogenous human menopausal gonadotropins or with gonadotropin-releasing hormone by infusion pump.