The "gonadotropin-resistant ovary" syndrome as a cause of secondary amenorrhea and infertility.

A patient with secondary amenorrhea with the gonadotropin-resistant ovary syndrome is described. The physiopathology of the syndrome is investigated and discussed. Ovulation could not be induced by using very high doses of gonadotropins. The presence of a hormone abnormality or of an inhibitor preventing hormone action could not be substantiated. It is suggested that the disease may be due to an autoimmune reaction with antibody formation against the receptor sites for gonadotropins.