• PMID: 9623519
• Gene Name: FSHB
• Condition: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH)
• Association: Low FSH levels in adolescence are strongly related to a lack of LH pulses. Lack of LH pulses is highly suspect for HH. FSH may be a tool in the differentiation between HH and delayed puberty.
• Population size: 36
• Population details: 36 children suspected of having HH
• Sex: Male, female
• Infertility type: Male infertility, Female infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchidism

Predictive value of serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the differentiation between hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and constitutional delay of puberty

Odink RJ, Schoemaker J, Schoute E, Herdes E, Delemarre-van de Waal HA.

OBJECTIVE: Gonadotropin secretion was evaluated to predict hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) in 36 children suspected of having HH. METHODS: LH was measured for 24 h at 10-min intervals, and FSH and estradiol or testosterone at 1-hour intervals. Twenty boys (age 15.7, range 13.2-19.3 years) and 16 girls (age 16.1, range 13.0-20.6 years) were studied. RESULTS: LH pulses were detected in 9 boys and 5 girls. HH was confirmed in all 11 LH apulsatile boys and in 8 of 11 LH apulsatile girls. Random FSH values of < or =1.11 and < or =2.86 IU/l in boys and girls, respectively, discriminated patients with LH pulses from patients without (sensitivity for lack of LH pulses 97 and 100%, respectively). In boys testicular volume was not discriminatory. In 1 girl LH pulses were observed without estradiol production, suggesting LH neurosecretory dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Low FSH levels in adolescence are strongly related to a lack of LH pulses. Lack of LH pulses is highly suspect for HH. FSH may be a tool in the differentiation between HH and delayed puberty. FAU - Odink, R J AU - Odink RJ AD - Department of Pediatrics, Academic Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. FAU - Schoemaker, J AU - Schoemaker J FAU - Schoute, E AU - Schoute E FAU - Herdes, E AU - Herdes E