Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome caused by an FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma

Contrary to the assumption that gonadotrope pituitary adenomas are non-functioning, these tumors can be functional and lead to the development of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This article describes a patient with a 15-year history of galactorrhea and multicystic ovaries caused by a gonadotrope-secreting pituitary adenoma. Background A 40-year-old woman presented with galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea. She had a history of multiple ovarian cysts and pelvic pain. Investigations Laboratory evaluation included measurements of the levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free endogenous T4, the glycoprotein hormone α subunit, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I. Radiological studies included MRI of the pituitary. Diagnosis Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome caused by a pituitary adenoma, secreting follicle-stimulating hormone. Management The patient underwent trans-sphenoidal resection of the adenoma, with subsequent normalization of hormonal values and symptoms.