A case of congenital long QT syndrome and medically induced menopause.
Wilkinson. Jane Frances JF; Williams. Paula L PL; Green. Jan Catherine JC; Modi. Simon S; Briggs. Paula E PE
Key Findings
- GnRH analogues (e.g., gonadorelin) can significantly lengthen the QT interval in women, especially those with pre‑existing long QT syndrome.
- Induced menopause via hormone suppression may precipitate life‑threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
- Patient perspective highlights severe adverse events despite medically supervised use, underscoring the need for cardiac screening before hormone manipulation.
Practical Outcomes
- If you’re considering GnRH‑based hormone protocols for anti‑aging or performance, first get an ECG and check for QT prolongation, especially if you have a family history of arrhythmias. Avoid abrupt hormone suppression if you have any known cardiac conduction issues, and monitor heart rhythm closely during any GnRH treatment.
Summary
A 47‑year‑old woman with a known long QT heart condition was given GnRH drugs to force menopause before a hysterectomy. The hormone change triggered dangerous heart rhythm problems, including ventricular fibrillation and Torsades de Pointes, leading to cardiac arrests. The paper explains how female hormones affect the QT interval and warns that messing with them can be risky for people with heart rhythm issues.
Abstract
This is a case report of a 47-year-old woman with known Long QT Syndrome who was given GnRH analogues to induce menopause prior to hysterectomy for fibroids who suffered several episodes of ventricular fibrillation leading to Torsades de Pointes cardiac arrests. This paper discusses the case and the physiological backdrop of hormone influences on the QT interval in women, includes the patient perspective and makes recommendations.
Study Information
pubmed
2025
2025-11-14T00:00:00.000Z
10.1177/20533691251398072
6