MENSTRUAL DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE

Forty females, age 14 to 35 years (mean 28.6 years) with chronic renal failure (CRF) were included in the study. Their menstrual patterns we re noted. The function of their hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis was assessed by the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), L uteinising hormone (LH), prolactin (PrL), estradiol (E2) and progester one (P) at different phases of the menstrual cycle in patients who con tinued to have normal menses (Group I) and at weekly intervals for six weeks in patients with menstrual disturbances (Group II). The mean ho rmone levels during the initial contact Luteal phase in group I were F SH 12.0 IU/L (N, 1.0-3.0 IU/L), LH 1.8IU/L (N 1.5-101U/L), PrL 652mIU/ L (N, 100-600 mIU/L)mE2160 pmol/L(N400-1400 pmol/L)and P5 nmol/L(N14-6 0 nmol/L) for group I. Corresponding values for group II were 1.2,10.3 , 250, 600 and 3.0 in relevant units. All patients (fourteen) with end stage renal disease (ESRD) had amenorrhoae. On the other hand, most p atients with stable CRF (22/26) had normal menses. Following initiatio n of therapy (conservative or dialytic), there was no significant alte ration in the hormonal profile or menstrual pattern. We conclude that other factors apart from the hormonal imbalances, may be responsible f or the menstrual disturbances noted in patients with CPF.