Effect of an intranasal LHRH agonist on gonadotrophins and hot flushes in post-menopausal women

Alterations in circulating gonadotrophins have been reported at the time of onset of menopausal flushes. In order to study this association D-SER(TBU) 6-EA 10-LHRH ∗ ∗ [D-Ser( t-Bu)] 6LHRHnonapeptide-ethylamide(1–9). , a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist was given intranasally at a dose of 200 μg twice daily to 12 post-menopausal women to study its effect on gonadotrophin secretion and hot flushes. Following an initial period of 3–5 days of increased gonadotrophin secretion, pituitary desensitization occurred, with a significant suppression of circulating LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels ( P < 0.001) and a reduction in gonadotrophin pulse amplitude ( P < 0.05). This was accompanied by a significant diminution of the pituitary's response to exogenous LHRH ( P < 0.05). However, no significant alteration in the incidence of hot flushes was observed on such therapy.