Gonadal failure

A high rate of ethanol consumption can lead to inhibition of gastric secretion and irritation of the gastric mucosa. Ethanol irritates the entire gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to constipation and diminished absorption of nutrients. Other pathological effects include pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy. Severe gonadal failure is often found in both men and women, accompanied by low blood levels of sex hormones. 

TCDD may result in subtle alterations rather than primary gonadal failure. 

Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type I (Addison s disease, candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and primary gonadal failure)... 

When puberty is delayed in a girl, measurement of serum gonadotropins is useful for diagnostic purposes. Low concentrations may indicate pituitary failure, whereas concentrations elevated mto the postmenopausal interval mdicate definite gonadal failure. In the latter case, chromosome studies are indicated. In the former case, pituitary function testing and radiography may be helpful. Patients... 

Anti-tumour therapy can have serious effects. Gonadal failure arising from radiotherapy or chemotherapy is frequently encountered. Hypomagnesaemia and hypokalaemia may be a consequence of the use of the cytotoxic drug, cisplatin. Patients treated with methotrexate may become folate deficient. 

Biochemical tests cannot be used to iliagnose primary osteoporosis or monitor accelerated bone loss becau.se the results of the common bihealthy subjects and patients with the disorder. Biochemical tests are of value in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. gonadal failure or Cushing s syndrome which cause secondary osteoporosis. 

In both men and women a serum FSH concentration greater than 25 U/l indicates primary gonadal failure. 

Sexual function in alcohol-dependent women is less clearly understood. Many female alcoholics complain of decreased libido, decreased vaginal lubrication, and menstrual cycle abnormalities. Their ovaries often are small and without follicular development. Some data suggest that fertility rates are lower for alcoholic women. The presence of comorbid disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia can aggravate the problem. The prognosis for men and women who become abstinent is favorable in the absence of significant hepatic or gonadal failure. 

Transient gonadal failure, transient amenorrhea and an early age of menopause have been observed. 

Results in Primary Hypogonadism. Patients with primary gonadal failure show an exaggerated response to LH/FSH-RH (Fig. 11), but the elevated basal values are sufficient evidence for the diagnosis, and the LH/FSH-RH test is not usually required. 

LH/ FSH-releasing hormone normally stimulates the release of gonadotrophins from the pituitary. The test consists of injecting LH/ FSH-releasing hormone and collecting blood samples for LH and FSH estimation. An impaired response occurs in hypopituitarism while an exaggerated response occurs in primary gonadal failure. 

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