Introduction Description: Infertility is the inability to conceive or bear a child despite more than 1 year of trying (or after 6 months for women older than 30 years old). Under ordinary circumstances, 80%–90% of normal couples conceive during 1…
Introduction Description: Hyperprolactinemia is the pathologic elevation of serum prolactin levels. The finding of elevated levels of prolactin is nonspecific with respect to the cause, thereby requiring careful clinical evaluation. Prevalence: Uncommon; reports vary from 1% to 30%, depending on…
Introduction Description: Hirsutism refers to increased or excessive hair growth only. It may be idiopathic (hypertrichosis) or caused by androgen-stimulated excessive growth. Hypertrichosis involves increased hair on the extremities and tends to be ethnic, racial, or familial in origin. This…
The Challenge Description: Genetic mutations, especially those that impair the cell’s DNA repair functions, can result in errors of cell growth and differentiation going unchecked. This propensity to malignant transformation may result in an increased risk of developing frank cancer.…
Introduction Description: Gonadal dysgenesis is a developmental abnormality of patients who do not carry the stigmata of Turner syndrome but still have absent menarche because of chromosomal abnormalities. These patients generally are tall (>150 cm), are more normal in appearance,…
Introduction Description: Down syndrome is characterized by physical and mental symptoms that have their origin in the presence of extra genetic material from chromosome 21. This may be because of duplication or translocation errors of genetic material that result in…
The Challenge The challenge is to use advanced reproductive technology to assist couples who have trouble conceiving through normal means. Scope of the Problem: 10%–15% of couples who are infertile require or benefit from assisted reproductive technologies. Objectives of Management:…
Introduction Description: Anovulation is characterized by the absence of ovulation in women of reproductive age. Prevalence: Up to 25% of couples who are infertile. Predominant Age: Reproductive age. Genetics: No genetic pattern. Some chromosomal abnormalities are associated with premature ovarian…
Introduction Description: Patients with androgen insensitivity have a normal male karyotype but a genetic alteration that results in somatic cells that cannot recognize or respond to testosterone. This results in a normal female phenotype, absent uterus, and scant (or absent)…
Introduction Description: Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of normal menstruation in a patient with previously established cycles. Prevalence: Common. Predominant Age: Reproductive age (menarche to menopause). Genetics: No genetic pattern. Etiology and Pathogenesis Causes: Most common—pregnancy. Other causes—end organ: Asherman…