Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

January 1993, Volume 10, Issue 1, pp 53–57 | Cite as

Neuropsychologic dysfunction in women following leuprolide acetate induction of hypoestrogenism

• Authors
• Authors and affiliations

• Nils R. Varney
• Craig Syrop
• Cynthia S. Kubu
• Margaret Struchen
• Sandra Hahn
• Kris Franzen

Clinical Assisted Reproduction

• 2 Shares
• 38 Downloads
• 31 Citations

Objective

The study investigated the neuropsychological status of women with induced hypoestrogenism.

Design

An ABA design was employed in which neuropsychological measures were repeated prior to, during, and after induction of hypoestrogenism with leuprolide acetate.

Setting

The study took place in a medical school affiliated in vitro fertilization clinic.

Interventions

Leuprolide acetate was administered to all subjects as part of in vitro fertilization.

Methods

Eighteen women receiving in vitro fertilization treatment underwent neuropsychological testing before, during, and after treatment with leuprolide acetate and gonadotrophins. The neuropsychological test battery was selected on the basis of previous patients' symptomatic complaints during periods of hypoestrogenism with leuprolide acetate.

Results

Depending upon the tests administered, some individuals showed significant cognitive deficits during therapy particularly in the areas of memory, fine motor coordination, and two-point discrimination. Two of the 18 subjects showed very substantial neuropsychological sequelae including memory gaps and disturbances in a variety of neuropsychological test performances. However, in terms of group statistics, only two-point discrimination and delayed recall memory test performance proved significant. Not all measures were sensitive for the group, as many tests displayed a balance between individuals who showed practice effects and those who showed detrimental effects.

Conclusions

For a substantial portion of individuals, hypoestrogenism can result in statistically significant or clinically noteworthy problems with memory, dexterity, and two-point discrimination.

Key words

hypoestrogenism in vitro fertilization mental status luprolide acetate neuropsychological assessment 

This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

1. 1.
   Hampson A, Kimura D: Reciprocal effects of hormonal fluctuations on human motor and perceptual-spatial skills. Behav Neurosci 1988;102:456–459Google Scholar
2. 2.
   Hampson E: Variations in sex related cognitive abilities across the menstrual cycle. Brain and Cognition 1990;14:26–43Google Scholar
3. 3.
   Hampson E: Estrogen-related variations in human spatial and articulatory-motor skills. Psychoneuroendocrinology 1990;15:97–111Google Scholar
4. 4.
   Wechsler D: Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. New York, Psychological Corporation, 1981Google Scholar
5. 5.
   Jastak JF, Jastak S: Wide Range Achievement Test. Wilmington, Jastak & Associates, 1978Google Scholar
6. 6.
   Benton AL, Hamsher K: The Multilingual Aphasia Examination. Iowa City, AJA Associates, 1978Google Scholar
7. 7.
   Wechsler D: A standardized memory scale for clinical use. J Psychol 1945;19:87–95Google Scholar
8. 8.
   Benton AL, Hamsher K, Varney NR, Spreen O: Judgment of Line Orientation. New York, Oxford University Press, 1983Google Scholar
9. 9.
   Head H: Studies in Neurology. London, Oxford University Press, 1920Google Scholar
10. 10.
    Benton A, Hamsher K, Varney NR, Spreen O: Serial Digit Learning. New York, Oxford University Press, 1983Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1993

Authors and Affiliations

• Nils R. Varney
  • 1
• Craig Syrop
  • 2
• Cynthia S. Kubu
  • 1
• Margaret Struchen
  • 1
• Sandra Hahn
  • 2
• Kris Franzen
  • 1

1. 1.Psychology Service (116-B)VA Medical CenterIowa CityUSA
2. 2.Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Hospitals, University of IowaIowa CityUSA