Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Distribution of etiological factors of hypergonadotropic amenorrhea
H Meden-Vrtovec1, K Gersak, D Franić
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. helena.meden@kclj.si
Objective:
To describe the etiology of hypergonadotropic amenorrhea (HA) and outline the subgroup of infertile women that might achieve pregnancy with their own eggs despite premature ovarian failure.
Methods:
In this retrospective study we enrolled 70 women aged 32.5 +/- 5.71 years. After a detailed history of the disease, measurements of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, determination of the karyotype and fragile X premutation syndrome, and a quick ACTH test, estrogen-progestin replacement therapy was introduced.
Results:
In 17 of the 70 women, HA was due to chromosomal abnormalities, in 16 to extensive gynecologic surgery, in ten to oral contraceptive use, in four to chemo- and radiotherapy; in 23 HA was idiopathic. After estrogen-progestin replacement therapy, three women with idiopathic HA conceived and delivered healthy babies.
Conclusion:
Estrogen-progestin replacement therapy in pharmacological doses might be beneficial to women with idiopathic HA, having normal prolactin levels, adrenal and thyroid function, and a normal karyotype.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:23Infertility in Males
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
02:07Oogenesis
01:22Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...