Induction of ovulation with chronic intermittent (pulsatile) administration of Gn-RH in women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea

Abstract

The physiological and pathophysiological basis of hypothalamic amenorrhoea are reviewed as well as the clinical results of chronic intermittent (pulsatile) administration of Gn-RH in the treatment of infertility. Hypothalamic amenorrhoea is considered to be the result of a deficient hypothalamic secretion of Gn-RH. By pulsatile, administration of Gn-RH, which is a pre-requisite of normal pituitary gonadotrophic function, deficient endogenous Gn-RH is replaced. If an adequate dose of Gn-RH is in the individual case, follicular maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum formation are achieved in nearly every treatment cycle. Although dependent also on factors other than the treated dysfunction, a high conception rate is achieved.