Hypothalamic hypogonadism in congenital adrenal hypoplasia

Horm Metab Res. 1989 Nov;21(11):623-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1009303.

Abstract

Congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAHP) in its X-linked form is associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). A 23 year old man with this disorder received substitution therapy with gluco- and mineralocorticoids starting one week after birth and, recently, pulsatile subcutaneous GnRH treatment via a miniature infusion pump with stepwise increasing doses from 50 to 200 ng/kg body weight/2 hours for a total of 394 days. Testosterone levels increased from prepubertal levels to 409 ng/dl after 2 weeks and to 626 ng/dl after 3 months of treatment. The results of pulsatile GnRH therapy in our patient prove the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to be of hypothalamic origin. Pulsatile GnRH substitution is a successful therapeutic regimen in patients with CAHP leading to pituitary and gonadal maturation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / abnormalities*
  • Adult
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / complications*
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy
  • Hypogonadism / etiology
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / complications*
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones
  • Testosterone
  • Androstenedione
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone