Ovulation induction in a poor responder with panhypopituitarism: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background. Most women with panhypopituitarism will undergo successful ovulation induction with gonadotropin therapy. Few proven treatment options exist for those who respond poorly to such therapy. A poor response may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, or reflect a deficiency of other key components for ovarian function.

Case. A 31-year-old female with panhypopituitarism and a poor response to gonadotropin therapy took growth hormone (GH) replacement for 4 months prior to restarting gonadotropins. When the serum level of insulin-like growth factor-I normalized, she began ovulation induction with gonadotropins with transdermal estradiol. After 63 days of gonadotropin therapy, she had a leading follicle of 18 mm, followed by follicles of 16.5 mm and 15.5 mm. The serum estradiol was 796 pg/ml, and human chorionic gonadotropin was administered. The patient conceived with timed intercourse. A prior attempt at ovulation induction with gonadotropins alone failed to produce follicular development.

Conclusion. Prolonged gonadotropin treatment may be necessary to achieve ovulation and avoid the misdiagnosis of ovarian failure. Co-treatment with GH and estrogen may improve the follicular response in a poor responder with panhypopituitarism.

Keywords:

• Ovulation induction
• hypopituitarism
• prolactinoma
• growth hormone
• insulin-like growth factor-I
• poor responder