[Premature menopause].

In 46 patients with the diagnosis of "premature menopause" menstrual history, clinical findings and hormonal quantitations were analysed. This clinical entity was evaluated with regard to a rapid verification of the diagnosis. The age of the investigated women with secondary failure to menstruate varied between 13 to 39 years (mean value 29 years). Menstrual history varied considerably. 20 women complained about menopausal symptoms. 5 women had adnexal operations before. Vaginal hormonal cytology, gestagen test and quantitation of the circulating oestradiol concentrations were of little value for establishing the diagnosis, since many of these women revealed premenopausal oestradiol levels. Quantitation of FSH is decisive for establishing the diagnosis. In women under the age of 40 with FSH values above 1000 ng LER 907/ml or above 40 mIU/ml premature ovarian failure can be assumed; however, in individual cases the "gonadotropin resistant ovary syndrome" must be differentiated.