Isolated growth hormone deficiency and amenorrhea - Case report

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is the most common hypopituitarism disorder. We highlight the challenges to its diagnosis and management in the setting of a developing country.

A 14-year-old came with a chief complaint of inability to menstruate. Menarche was at 12-years old, lasted 7 days, soaking 2 pads/day which discontinued shortly after. Thelarche was at 12-years-old and her breast is at Tanner stage 3. Her axillary and pubic hair are at Tanner stage 1. Height was 120 cm, weight 34.8 kg, height for age z-score < -3. Her lab results were normal for estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin. Bone age was suitable for age. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary gland hypoplasia (5.3 mm). A hormonal panel 3 years prior showed abnormally low GH level but normal cortisol and thyroid hormone levels. She was diagnosed with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) with delayed puberty. She was treated with medroxyprogesterone tablets once daily, after which her menstruation restarted. However, due to her economic background, she declined genetic tests, discontinued her medication and amenorrhea recurred.

Amenorrhea present after a brief menarche should alert gynaecologists of a possible multi-hormone disorder with an underlying structural abnormality. IGHD may be due to a structural abnormality, such as pituitary gland hypoplasia. Unfortunately, economic reasons prevented the patient from receiving optimal treatment.

IGHD rarely presents with a gynaecological complaint. Hormonal and genetic tests along with imaging should be undertaken. Growth hormone supplementation is the treatment of choice.