Expert: Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - 10/2/2006

Question
You said that a doctor should not put a woman with hypothalamic amenorrhea on estrogen shots because it can suppress the gonadatrophins further. I am concerned because I already started treatment with the estrogen injections. How much worse is this going to make my condition? Are the effects of the estrogen reversible? I think part of the reason I was put on it was to shrink a bunch of ovarian cysts (I have multicystic ovaries) and thicken my uterine lining? I am thinking of calling my doctor and discussing stopping this treatment. Also, is weight gain a normal side effect of the estrogen medication? Thanks.

Also, is something like Kallman's syndrome or some genetic adult-onset GnRH deficiency a possibility in a female with previous regular menses and documented fertility (and with gonadatrophins in normal ranges)?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi,
You shouldn't stop treatment based on anything I've said, as I don't know your history, haven't examined you, don't know your diagnosis, and you're not under my care.  I would hope your doctor knows what he is doing in giving you estrogen.  If the treatments are bothering you, or if you don't understand the rationale for his therapy, then you should sit down with him and discuss it/undertand it in depth.  It's imperative that any patient has an explanation and understanding of her treatments.

Dr. Roseff - In Wellington, Florida;
PERSONALIZED/Individualized Successful care by a Board Certified reproductive medicine specialist in a warm and caring setting....
===============
Since I don't know your entire history and haven't examined you, any medical information given to you may be incomplete or inaccurate.  Therefore, Dr. Roseff and his staff can not be responsible for any actions taken or not due to the information contained within these communications.  These communications are for educational and informational purposes only, and should never be used to replace the information and care rendered by your own doctor.  No part of this message may be reproduced, printed, or posted anywhere else without the express written authorization of Dr. Roseff.
===============