[Ovulation induction by pulsatile GnRH therapy in 2014: literature review and synthesis of current practice]

Abstract

The hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is an easily treatable form of female infertility. The most common cause of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. The GnRH pump is a simple and effective treatment to restore fertility of patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea: cumulative pregnancy rate is estimated between 70 and 100% after 6 cycles, compared to a low rate of complications and multiple pregnancies. While only 2.8 cycles are on average required to achieve a pregnancy with a pump, this induction of ovulation stays underused in France. The objective of this paper is to propose a practical manual of pulsatile GnRH, in order to improve the accessibility of pulsatile GnRH for patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Keywords: Aménorrhée hypothalamo-hypophysaire; Hypothalamic amenorrhea; Induction de l’ovulation; Ovulation induction; Pompe à GnRH; Pulsatile GnRH.