Menstrual Irregularity in Women with Acromegaly

In a 1999 study at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London involving 47 women with active acromegaly within the reproductive age range, it was found that menstrual irregularity was prevalent in 81% of the patients. The study revealed that women with menstrual irregularities had lower serum estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, despite having similar testosterone levels compared to those with normal cycles. Those with amenorrhea had higher serum growth hormone (GH) levels, larger tumors, and were mainly estrogen deficient. A negative correlation between GH and SHBG levels was identified, suggesting that GH may reduce SHBG, contributing to menstrual disturbances. The study concluded that menstrual irregularity in women with acromegaly is likely due to a combination of gonadotropin deficiency, hyperprolactinemia, and the effects of GH on SHBG levels.