Hot flashes in patients with hypogonadism and low serum gonadotropin levels.

OBJECTIVE

To augment the number of cases in the literature describing patients with hot flashes due to hypopituitarism or hypothalamic hypogonadism.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records for hot flashes in our patients with low sex hormone levels and low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels, and we inquired about hot flashes in new patients with these hormone patterns. A comprehensive literature review on this subject was also completed.

RESULTS

In our medical records, we found 14 patients with hot flashes, low sex hormone levels, and low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels. In this group of patients, 10 had hypopituitarism and 6 had hypothalamic hypogonadism; 2 patients had both conditions. Hormone replacement therapy successfully relieved or substantially decreased the hot flashes in all 8 patients treated. A review of the literature revealed 17 patients with hot flashes and hypopituitarism and another 5 patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism.

CONCLUSION

Hot flashes as a manifestation of low sex hormone levels and associated with low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels occur in patients with hypopituitarism and hypothalamic hypogonadism. Sex hormone replacement therapy alleviates the symptoms.