Profound luteinizing hormone suppression after stopping the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonist leuprolide acetate.
OBJECTIVE
To compare levels of serum LH during continued use of leuprolide acetate (LA) with levels during the first week after discontinuing LA.


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
Clinical assisted conception program.


METHODS
Women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted conception were randomized to receive LA according to "short" or "ultrashort" protocols. The alternative protocol was used then in a second cycle. Each patient was thus her own control.


METHODS
Serum LH over time.


RESULTS
When LA was stopped after 5 days of administration, LH levels fell profoundly when compared with levels when LA was continued.


CONCLUSIONS
Loss of LH after stopping LA is likely to be clinically important in ovarian stimulation regimens that use pure FSH with LA in ultrashort protocols. The fall in LH lasts at least 1 week and may be explainable by persistent suppression of endogenous GnRH by LA during this time.
Sungurtekin
U
U
Sydney IVF Center, New South Wales, Australia.
Jansen
R P
RP
D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000187:drug effects; D015181:Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide