Extraovarian endocrine abnormalities in north Indian women with premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is a rare syndrome characterized by cessation of menstruation before 35 years of age associated with an elevated gonadotropin level (serum follicle stimulating hormone > 40 IU/L) and oestrogen deficiency. Premature ovarian failure is often the result of an autoimmune process and involvement of other endocrine glands has been reported but available studies are hampered by a lack of uniformity in diagnostic criteria.

The endocrine profile of 37 north Indian women with premature ovarian failure was studied. The investigations included measurement of serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, prolactin, total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone. To assess adrenocortical reserve, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulated plasma cortisol levels were estimated.

Eighteen (49%) patients had extraovarian endocrine abnormalities. Eight (22%) had abnormal thyroid function tests and 12 of 29 (41%) patients tested for adrenocortical reserve showed impaired response of plasma cortisol to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation.

Extraovarian endocrine (especially adrenocortical) involvement is frequent in patients with premature ovarian failure. Because none of the patients had overt clinical evidence of thyroid or adrenocortical disease, we suggest that tests for thyroid and adrenal function be performed routinely in females presenting with premature ovarian failure.