Investigating the Regulation of Reproductive Hormones in Adult Men
Kallmann SyndromeHypogonadism1 moreThe purpose of the research study is to learn more about the regulation of reproductive hormones in adult men. We would like to understand what role testosterone and estradiol play in controlling the release of LH (lutenizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). Testosterone and estradiol come from the testes, and LH and FSH are released from a gland in the head called the pituitary. Men involved in the study will have detailed evaluations that involve overnight stays in the hospital and frequent blood sampling. The men in the study will also be receiving medications that affect the levels of various hormones in the body. This will allow the researchers to learn how various hormones influence each other. Men that participate in the study will receive medical evaluations and monetary compensation. Information gathered from this study will help in the development of new treatments for infertility and potentially new hormonal forms of contraception.
Studying the Effects of 7 Days of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Treatment in Men With Hypogonadism...
Kallmann SyndromeIdiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism1 moreMen with Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH) lack a hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone is important for starting puberty, maintaining testosterone levels, and fertility. The purpose of this study is to research the effects of treating IHH men with GnRH for 7 days.
Examination of Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH)and Kallmann Syndrome (KS)
Kallmann SyndromeHypogonadotropic Hypogonadism1 moreThe purpose of the study is to examine how Kallmann syndrome (KS) and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) affect reproductive hormones. These disorders are caused by a defect in Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) secretion. GnRH is a hormone released by a small gland in the brain called the hypothalamus. When GnRH is released, it signals another gland in the brain, the pituitary, to secrete the reproductive hormones that influence sex hormone (testosterone, estrogen) levels and gamete (sperm, egg cell) production. This study involves a detailed evaluation and 24-48 hours stay at the hospital. In this study, males and females ages 16 and older with IHH have a detailed evaluation which involves an overnight study at the hospital. Some men (18 years and older) may continue on to receive treatment with pulsatile GnRH. This treatment replaces the hormone which is absent in IHH and results in normalized testosterone and typically is effective in developing fertility.
Pulsatile GnRH in Anovulatory Infertility
Hypogonadotropic HypogonadismAmenorrhea1 moreThe purpose of this study is to explore the effects of synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) upon the pituitary and ovaries of women with infertility. Women diagnosed with GnRH deficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea or acquired hypogonadic hypogonadism, will participate in this study. It is hoped that administration of GnRH will lead to proper stimulation of the pituitary gland and to normal ovulation and menstruation. **WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING ONLY WOMEN WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF IDIOPATHIC HYPOGONADIC HYPOGONADISM (IHH)** Pulsatile GnRH has been approved by the FDA for use in women with primary amenorrhea due to complete GnRH deficiency. The overall goals of this protocol are to continue to use pulsatile GnRH in GnRH-deficient and other anovulatory women for ovulation induction and to examine specific physiologic hypotheses, which can only be addressed in this patient population.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Combining With Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Treat Congenital Hypogonadotropic...
Kallmann SyndromeHypogonadotropic HypogonadismObserve the therapeutic efficacy of human menopausal gonadotropin combining with human chorionic gonadotropin in adolescent boys with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Baselines in Reproductive Disorders
AmenorrheaHypogonadotropic Hypogonadism1 moreThe purpose of the study is to explore the way in which gonadotropins (pituitary hormones) are released into the body. The knowledge acquired in this study will be used for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive endocrine disorders. We seek to investigate the baseline characteristics of the GnRH-induced gonadotropin pulsations of patients with the following diagnoses: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) Acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (AHH) Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) **WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING ONLY SUBJECTS WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF IHH.** This has been an extremely productive and pivotal protocol in the studies of female reproductive physiology and pathophysiology and continues to be critical for defining the neuroendocrine abnormalities in patients with reproductive disorders. In some cases, it is also helpful in the planning of subsequent therapy if so desired. It is important to note that minors have been included in this protocol, as many patients are extremely anxious to know more about their neuroendocrine disorder. With minors who would like to know if their disorder is correctable, this protocol may be followed up with administration of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
Kisspeptin in the Evaluation of Delayed Puberty
Delayed PubertyKallmann Syndrome2 moreThe goal of this study is to test whether the hormone kisspeptin has the potential to prospectively diagnose adolescents with self-resolving or permanent delayed puberty. Some children with delayed puberty will eventually enter puberty on their own. However, some children with delayed puberty have a permanent condition and require medical treatment to undergo puberty. Right now, there is no reliable diagnostic tool to tell whether a child's delayed puberty will be self-resolving or permanent. The hormone kisspeptin has the potential to prospectively diagnose adolescents with self-resolving or permanent delayed puberty.
Investigation of the Genetic Causes of Kallmann Syndrome and Reproductive Disorders
Hypogonadotropic HypogonadismKallmann Syndrome5 moreThe aims of this study are: 1) to identify genes that play a role in human pubertal development and reproduction, 2) to characterize the phenotypic spectrum of patients with these gene defects, and 3) to discern the mode of inheritance for disorders caused by these gene defects. We are specifically interested in genes that cause Kallmann syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), precocious (early) puberty, and delayed puberty. Individuals do not have to travel to Boston to participate in this study.
Health Needs of Patients With Kallmann Syndrome
Kallmann SyndromeCongenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism1 moreKallmann syndrome (KS), also known as congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), is a rare endocrine disorder that is characterized by failure to undergo puberty combined with infertility. KS/CHH patients face a number of psychosocial burdens related to delays in diagnosis, inadequate access to expert care, and lack of information about the condition. As such, there is some evidence to suggest that KS/CHH patients have unmet health needs. This study aims to identify the needs of patients and understand the issues that must be overcome to achieve improved health and quality of life.