Induction of ovulation by the chronic administration of naltrexone in hypothalamic amenorrhea

Ovulatory menstrual cycles were induced by the administration of the specific opiate antagonist naltrexone at a dose of 50 mg/day for 28 days in 3 women suffering from secondary hypothalamic amenorrhea. The occurrence of ovulation was based on demonstration of follicular growth and corpus luteum formation by ultrasonography and a LH midcycle surge and rise of progesterone. After discontinuation of treatment, the women became amenorrheic again and serum gonadotropins as well as estradiol declined to the low levels found before naltrexone administration. Naltrexone or other specific opiate antagonists may be useful agents for the induction of ovulation in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea.