In ovarian dysfunction, the characteristic hormonal pattern is?

In ovarian dysfunction, the characteristic hormonal pattern is?

• A. High estrogen with low FSH and LH
• B. Low estrogen with low FSH and LH
• C. Low estrogen with high FSH and LH
• D. Normal estrogen with normal FSH/LH

Answer: (C)

The hormonal pattern in ovarian dysfunction reflects the feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. When the ovaries fail to produce adequate estrogen, estrogen levels fall. This loss of negative feedback on the pituitary leads to increased secretion of FSH and LH in an effort to stimulate the ovaries. So you get low estrogen with high FSH and LH, as seen in ovarian insufficiency or menopause. In contrast, high estrogen with low FSH/LH would suggest estrogen excess; low estrogen with low FSH/LH points to central (hypothalamic or pituitary) dysfunction; and normal levels indicate normal ovarian function.

The hormonal pattern in ovarian dysfunction reflects the feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. When the ovaries fail to produce adequate estrogen, estrogen levels fall. This loss of negative feedback on the pituitary leads to increased secretion of FSH and LH in an effort to stimulate the ovaries. So you get low estrogen with high FSH and LH, as seen in ovarian insufficiency or menopause. In contrast, high estrogen with low FSH/LH would suggest estrogen excess; low estrogen with low FSH/LH points to central (hypothalamic or pituitary) dysfunction; and normal levels indicate normal ovarian function.