Diagnosis and Initial Evaluation of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Initial laboratory evaluation for suspected primary ovarian insufficiency includes measurements of basal FSH and basal estradiol levels and tests to rule out causes such as pregnancy, thyroid disease, and hyperprolactinemia. Gonadotropin and estradiol values may be altered by concomitant use of hormonal preparations and thus should only be obtained in patients who are not taking hormonal medications, including OCs. If gonadotropins are elevated into the menopausal range (typically, basal FSH levels will be greater than 30–40 mIU/mL, depending on the laboratory used), a repeat FSH measurement is indicated in 1 month. If the result indicates that FSH is elevated, a diagnosis of primary ovarian insufficiency can be established. Continue Reading