gonadotropin-resistant ovary syndrome gonadotropin-resistant ovary syndrome resistant ovary syndrome, previously known as savage syndrome, is a cause of ovarian failure that can lead to secondary amenorrhea. resistant ovaries result from a functional disturbance of the gonadotropin receptors in the ovarian follicles. it may be a cause of primary or secondary amenorrhea and is resistant to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation. diagnosis of this condition requires that the patient has a normal 46,xx karyotype, normal secondary sexual characteristics, elevated plasma follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone – in the menopausal range – and that normal, multiple follicles are seen on ovarian biopsy. spontaneous reversal of the receptor resistance may occur.