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Altered pituitary hormone secretion in patients with pseudocyesis
Fertility and Sterility
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Pseudocyesis, or false pregnancy, is linked to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Studies show abnormal hormone responses, suggesting impaired dopaminergic function in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Pseudocyesis is a rare condition characterized by the belief of pregnancy without conception.
- Understanding the neuroendocrine underpinnings of pseudocyesis is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Pituitary function was assessed in two patients diagnosed with pseudocyesis.
- One patient underwent re-evaluation during a subsequent episode of pseudocyesis.
Findings:
- Patients exhibited an exaggerated prolactin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone.
- Aberrant growth hormone increases and impaired responses to dopamine agonists (apomorphine, bromocriptine) were observed.
- These hormonal abnormalities suggest a disruption in hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation.
Implications:
- The findings indicate a potential derangement in hypothalamic-pituitary function in pseudocyesis.
- Results may point to an underlying impairment in dopaminergic pathways contributing to the disorder.
- Further research into dopaminergic modulation could offer new therapeutic avenues for pseudocyesis.