INFERTILITY IN WOMEN WITH APPARENTLY OVULATORY CYCLES

Abstract

Summary Serial daily plasma profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and oestradiol 17β throughout single menstrual cycles from seven patients with a history of infertility but with normal menstrual rhythm and no apparent ovarian dysfunction were compared with those from apparently normally menstruating women. This comparison showed that the infertile group produced poor corpora lutea after poor follicular growth. The poor follicular growth may be related to depressed pituitary release of FSH in response to a negative feedback effect of elevated progesterone levels. Thanks are due to Mr. W. McNally, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who performed the art work; to Mr. Alan Craig of Searle Scientific Services, who supervised the FSH assays; to Dr. Philip England of Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who supervised the LH assays; to Mr. Archie Robertson, Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who was responsible for photography; to Dr. P. D. G. Dean for a gift of oestradiol antiserum, and to the Medical Research Council (Grant G971/222/C) for financial assistance.