The potentiating effect of growth hormone on follicle stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin in a panhypopituitary patient

A hypogonadotropic patient with primary pituitary insufficiency who has been previously treated for four cycles with hMG/hCG for ovulation induction is described. The hMG concentration was 76 to 96 ampules/cycle. Addition of GH (16 to 24 units/cycle) to hMG treatment was associated with a significant diminution in hMG consumption (35 to 36 ampules/cycle). The patient conceived on the second cycle of combined hMG/GH/hCG treatment. The possible role of GH as an adjunct to gonadotropin treatment is discussed, as well as the possible mechanisms of GH effects on the ovary.