Reversibility of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: lessons from a rare disease
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is caused by abnormal gonadotropin secretion or action. Although rare, CHH is approximately twice as common in men than in women.1,2 Around 50% of patients with CHH have anosmia (Kallmann syndrome).1,2 CHH is generally first suspected by the absence of puberty at the typical age. Boys and girls of pubertal age with CHH are treated with testosterone or oestrogen to induce secondary sexual characteristics. Men and women with CHH require pulsatile subcutaneous GnRH therapy or subcutaneous injections of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for gametogenesis and fertility.