Successful treatment of infertile women with oligomenorrhoea using a combination of an LHRH agonist and exogenous gonadotrophins

Abstract

Eight oligomenorrhoeic patients with increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and androgen levels who had failed to conceive during prolonged anti-oestrogen therapy received a new treatment. Large doses of an LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue (HOE 766) were used to suppress circulating gonadotrophin concentrations and block the positive feedback gonadotrophin surge. Ovulation was induced during continued LHRH analogue treatment with exogenous gonadotrophins without interference from the patient's own pituitary. Seven of eight patients conceived rapidly without premature luteinization and without excessive ovarian enlargement. These complications had occurred in control treatment cycles using exogenous gonadotrophins in the absence of the LHRH analogue.