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Research Article| Volume 1, ISSUE 2, P104-108, 1988

Pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone in adolescents with hyperandrogenism

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      Abstract

      The pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) was studied in adolescents with oligomenorrhea associated with hyperandrogenism (HA), and in a control group with regular cycles and normal androgen concentrations. Both groups consisted of six subjects, 15–18 years of age. Blood specimens were taken at 15 minute intervals for 6 hours. The mean serum LH concentration, amplitude and number of LH pulses, and the LH/FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) ratio were significantly higher in the HA group than in the control group. Serum concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, and estrone displayed significant positive correlations with the mean LH concentration, amplitude, and number of LH pulses, whereas serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and estradiol concentrations did not show any significant correlations with the characteristics of LH secretion. Thus, adolescents with hyperandrogenism display an exaggerated LH pulsatility similar to that found in adults with the polycystic ovary syndrome, and the change in LH pattern may be an early event in the development of this syndrome.

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