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Female hypogonadism: evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
Micol S Rothman1, Margaret E Wierman
1Department 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
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.
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