What is the Origin of Female Hypogonadism?

The term combines "female," denoting the biological sex, with "hypogonadism," which is derived from the Greek prefix hypo- ("under" or "deficient") and gonados ("seed" or "gonad"). The recognition of distinct primary and secondary forms of female gonadal dysfunction has been a cornerstone of reproductive endocrinology since the mid-20th century. This diagnosis provides a framework for understanding and treating various forms of ovarian failure and central regulatory defects.

What is the Mechanism of Female Hypogonadism?

The mechanism involves a failure in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the primary endocrine control system. In primary hypogonadism, the ovaries fail to produce adequate estradiol and progesterone, leading to a loss of negative feedback and compensatory high levels of pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Conversely, in secondary hypogonadism, a defect in the hypothalamus or pituitary results in insufficient secretion of LH and FSH, which consequently fails to stimulate ovarian hormone production. Treatment is often aimed at replacing the deficient hormones or stimulating the HPG axis to restore normal function.

Female Hypogonadism

Meaning

Female hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome characterized by a deficiency in the production of sex hormones, primarily estrogens and sometimes androgens, by the ovaries, often accompanied by a lack of ovulation or secondary sexual development failure. This condition results from a disruption at the level of the ovaries (primary hypogonadism) or the pituitary-hypothalamic axis (secondary hypogonadism). Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility, hot flashes, decreased bone mineral density, and a diminished sense of well-being. Diagnosis requires comprehensive hormonal evaluation to identify the specific underlying endocrine defect.