Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
05:32
Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
Climacteric in untreated isolated growth hormone deficiency
Menilson Menezes1, Roberto Salvatori, Carla R P Oliveira
1Division of Endocrinology, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil.
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Women with untreated isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) experience earlier menopause. Despite this, their menopausal symptoms and hormone levels are similar to those in normal women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) is a rare condition.
- The impact of untreated IGHD on female reproductive health and climacteric progression is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing, symptom severity, hormonal profile, and associated morbidity of climacteric in women with untreated IGHD.
- To compare these parameters with age-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving women with IGHD from a Brazilian kindred with a GH-releasing hormone receptor gene mutation.
- Assessment of climacteric age and symptom severity using the Kupperman Index.
- Hormonal analysis (FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol) and gynecological assessments (ultrasonography, mammography, colpocytology).
Main Results:
- Women with IGHD had a higher prevalence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels above 20 mIU/mL, suggesting an earlier onset of climacteric.
- Menarche was delayed, and parity was lower in women with IGHD.
- While prolactin levels were lower, overall hormonal profiles and menopausal symptom scores (Kupperman Index) were similar between groups. Uterine volume was smaller in the IGHD group.
Conclusions:
- Untreated IGHD is associated with an anticipated onset of climacteric.
- Despite an earlier start, menopausal symptoms and hormonal profiles in women with IGHD largely resemble those of the normal climacteric.
- Delayed menarche and reduced parity are observed in women with IGHD.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:15Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...