Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in women

Abstract

This article presents the role of the hypothalamus in reproduction, the definition of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), and the causes of acquired and syndromic HH and idiopathic HH (IHH). The authors present a short review of major causes of acquired HH, but most of the causes of IHH will not be discussed because they do not fall within the scope of the article. More attention is devoted to idiopathic HH, especially the genetic basis of IHH. Also presented in the article are clinical criteria of CHARGE syndrome. Later, the article discusses the clinical presentation, establishing the diagnosis, and management of IHH. The article ends with a brief overview of nutritional hypothalamic dysfunction and athletic amenorrhea. (Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (6): 560–567)