ABSTRACT Objective Vitamin D has several metabolic functions and possible reproductive functions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Brazilian women of reproductive age, and to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and infertility causes. Subjects and methods This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated data from a private Brazilian assisted reproduction center that were collected between January 1 and May 5, 2012. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured and compared for infertile and fertile […]

ABSTRACT Prolactin is best known for its effects of stimulating mammary gland development and lactogenesis. However, prolactin is a pleiotropic hormone that is able to affect several physiological functions, including fertility. Prolactin receptors (PRLRs) are widely expressed in several tissues, including several brain regions and reproductive tract organs. Upon activation, PRLRs may exert prolactin’s functions through several signaling pathways, although the recruitment of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 causes most of the known effects of prolactin. Pathological […]

This article is a review on different aspects of premature ovarian failure (POF) defined as the development of hypogonadism in women before 40 years of age. The review will discuss the etiopathogeny, autoimmune and iatrogenic causes, abnormalities of chromosome X, as well as clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Most of the women with this disorder do not have menstrual history, specific of POF development, but infertility associated with the diagnosis is the most problematic aspect of the disease. Arq Bras […]

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive, with no contraception, after one year of regular intercourse in women 35 years. A review on causes, management and treatment of endocrine causes of was performed. Epidemiological data suggest that around 10% to 15% of couples are infertile. Anovulatory problems are responsible from 25% to 50% of causes of . Advanced age, obesity, and drugs, have a negative effect on fertility. Different hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian disorders may affect fertility […]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the estrogen receptor b gene (ER?) +1730 G/A polymorphism in infertile women with and without endometriosis and controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case-control study that included 136 women with endometriosis, 69 women without endometriosis and 209 fertile women as controls. The ER? gene + 1730 G/A polymorphism was identified by RFLP-PCR (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism – Polymerase Chain Reaction). RESULTS: Genotypes GG, GA and AA of the ER? gene presented frequencies of 60.3%, 38.2% and […]

Premature ovarian failure occurs in approximately 1:1000 women before 30 years, 1:250 by 35 years and 1:100 by the age of 40. It is characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhea and cannot be considered as definitive because spontaneous conception may occur in 5 to 10% of cases. In 95% of cases, premature ovarian failure is sporadic. The known causes of premature ovarian failure include chromosomal defects, autoimmune diseases, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and certain drugs. Frequently, however, […]

We report on three patients with the clinical condition known as “XX male”, which is uncommon in the pediatric age group. Patients have a male phenotype (usually without ambiguous genitalia) and testes; however, the karyotype is 46,XX. The diagnosis is usually made in adult life due to infertility; it may also be done by the pediatrician when there is ambiguous genitalia or gynecomastia. The SRY gene (Sex-determining Region of the Y chromosome) is detected in most cases, thus explaining the […]

This article brings an updated review of hypopituitarism with emphasis in hormone replacement therapy. The physiological basis of hormone replacement therapy and practical aspects of treating hypopituitary patients were both taken into account to provide a rational strategy for treatment. The review is organized by individual pituitary hormone deficiency and covers epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of hypopituitarism, as well as the most relevant hormone preparations currently available for treating each hormone deficiency. Practical guidelines to hormone dosing, routes […]

Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) results from a genetic deficiency (kariotype 47,XXY) that can lead to hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, azoospermia and underdevelopment of secondary sex characteristics. The exact mechanism that determines the androgenic deficiency is not yet understood, and the degree of Leydig cell dysfunction is variable. KS is a chronic disease with serious repercussions over the male reproductive system and also an important cause of infertility worldwide. We report on a 33 year-old male patient with progressive bilateral and painful gynecomastia, hypergonadotropic […]