Resumption of pituitary and ovarian activity post-partum: endocrine and ultrasonic observations in bromocriptine-treated women.
The resumption of pituitary and ovarian activity was investigated by hormonal measurements and ultrasound scanning in 45 healthy post-partum women who were treated with bromocriptine. Bromocriptine, 50 mg (Parlodel LAR) was administered within 24 h post-partum. Plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, oestradiol, progesterone and prolactin concentrations were measured repeatedly and correlated with ultrasound measurements. Forty-one of the 45 women completed the study. A prompt fall in prolactin levels to normal (non-pregnant) values was observed within 24 h post-partum. Hereafter, a rapid return of the normal menstrual cycle was observed. Endocrine evidence of ovulation was obtained in 19/41 women within 1 month post-partum. Ultrasound measurements started at day 10 and were repeated regularly in 40 women. Ultrasound evidence of ovulation was found in 25/40 women. Ultrasound findings appeared not to correspond with the hormonal measurements. It is concluded that the resumption of pituitary and ovarian secretory functions post-partum is not always paralleled by a concomitant recovery of normal follicular growth and ovulation. Application of a progesterone threshold to judge resumption of ovulation post-partum should be reconsidered.
Haartsen
J E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, De Wever Hospital, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
Heineman
M J
MJ
Elings
M
M
Evers
J L
JL
Lancranjan
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001971:Bromocriptine; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone