Anovulation presumably due to the gonadotrophin-resistant ovary syndrome.

ABSTRACT

The clinical syndrome of the resistant ovary is described in a 24-yr-old woman (XX genotype) with secondary amenorrhea and primary infertility. She presented an increased secretion of gonadotrophins with a decreased secretion of estrogens. In the ovarian tissue only primary ovarian follicles and a thickened tunica albuginea were found. The elevated serum gonadotrophins could be further increased by the administration of exogenous LHRH and incompletely suppressed by exogenous estrogens (50 micrograms ethynylestradiol daily). However, serum LH concentration started with a further rise (positive feedback?) during this estrogen administration. Results of treatment with Cyclocur and ethynylestradiol (100 micrograms daily) in higher dosages are presented. Following discontinuation of the estradiol therapy regular menses resumed, which became ovulatory. The patient became pregnant 23 months after stopping the estradiol therapy.