What is a common indicator of primary ovarian insufficiency?

A common indicator of primary ovarian insufficiency is elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) accompanied by decreased estrogen.

In primary ovarian insufficiency, the ovaries fail to respond properly to the hormones produced by the pituitary gland, leading to a lack of estrogen production. The pituitary gland compensates for this lack of estrogen by producing more FSH and LH, which results in their elevated levels in the serum.

The hormonal profile reflects a dysfunctional feedback loop where low estrogen signals the pituitary to release more gonadotropins (FSH and LH). Understanding this imbalance is crucial for diagnosing conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency, as it helps clinicians distinguish it from other disorders related to the reproductive axis.

Monitoring these hormone levels allows for effective assessment and management of reproductive health, making it an important aspect of clinical chemistry evaluations related to ovarian function.