Diminished growth hormone responses to L-dopa in polycystic ovarian disease

To investigate the GH secretion capacity in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Prospective.

Reproductive endocrinology unit.

Nineteen women with clinical and endocrinologic signs of PCOS were compared with 10 healthy weight-matched volunteers with normal menstrual rhythm and no history of endocrine or reproductive abnormality.

Standard GH reserve estimates were affected in all subjects using oral L-Dopa. The test was carried out after an overnight fast on cycle days 5 to 8 in menstruating subjects; the test was done randomly in patients with amenorrhea.

Both PCOS and control groups responded to L-Dopa over a 3-hour period with significant elevations in GH concentrations. The control group showed significantly higher values than the PCOS group at 90, 120, and 180 minutes.

The findings indicate that PCOS patients demonstrate a relative deficiency in GH reserve.