FSH Receptor Variant: An Unusual Cause of Secondary Amenorrhea
Oluwatosin O Cooper1, Elisabeth H Quint2, Yolanda R Smith2
1Academy for Teaching and Learning, Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, Florida.
Introduction:
Secondary amenorrhea with high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels and low estradiol is typically diagnosed as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in individuals under the age of 40. Low anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels support the diagnosis of POI, but normal AMH levels warrant additional evaluation.
Case Presentation:
A 19-year-old female with menarche at age 12 experienced secondary amenorrhea at age 14.5. Initial evaluation showed elevated gonadotropins and low estradiol, which were confirmed on repeat testing. Normal karyotype, no FMR1 repeat expansion, negative autoimmune markers, and normal AMH levels were found. Genetic testing revealed two Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) gene variants with high suspicion of pathogenicity.
Discussion:
Pathogenic variants in the FSHR gene are an uncommon cause of secondary amenorrhea. Atypical POI cases with a normal AMH level should be evaluated with a genetic consultation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal 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...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Infertility in Males
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Hormonal 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...


