Postmenarchal Down's syndrome: a theoretical model of growth hormone action on ovarian function

Abstract

Much evidence indicates that blunted ovarian sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lower growth hormone (GH) plasma concentrations ,as often occur in women with Down's syndrome (DS) ,maycontribute to the gonadal disfunction frequently present in such subjects. In this review ,we analyze the more recent advances in this field ,and then discuss from a clinical point of view the potentialrole of GH on ovarian function ,since DS patients may also constitute a theoretical model for investigating this particular aspect of reproductive physiology.