We want to share with Journal readers a case that highlights the challenges of facilitating effective teamwork across organisational boundaries. Our patient was a 27-year-old woman who attained menarche at age 12 years followed by regular periods for 4 years. At the age of 16 years, she saw her general practitioner (GP) with oligomenorrhoea and was referred to secondary care. Initial investigations revealed raised follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH: 25.4 IU/l) and luteinising hormone (LH: 12.8 IU/l). Her estradiol (236 pmol/l) and prolactin (399 mU/l) levels were normal. Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed normal ovarian morphology. Repeat FSH and LH were 120 and 36.5 IU/l, consistent with premature ovarian failure (POF). However, the patient failed to attend for follow-up and moved away without knowledge of the results.

Shortly afterwards, when seeking …