Ultrasound studies of vascular and morphological changes in the human corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To determine changes in corpus luteum (CL) volume, echogenicity, vascularity, and P production relative to a positive test result for urinary LH and day 1 of next menses.


METHODS
Thirteen healthy volunteers (age 23 to 32 years).


METHODS
All women underwent transvaginal ultrasonography on cycle day 11 and a urinary LH self-test was used daily. The plan was to rescan all women immediately after a positive test result and then at least every 48 hours (until day 6 of the next cycle); samples of peripheral blood were taken for analysis.


METHODS
The times of follicular rupture, a positive urinary LH test, and the start of menses; CL volume and echogenicity, maximum peak systolic velocity and minimum impedance, the circulating levels of serum P, E2, LH, and FSH.


RESULTS
Nine women fulfilled criteria for an ovulatory cycle. There was a good correlation between peak systolic velocity, CL volume, and the concentration of serum P from day 4 to 10 after a positive LH test. Peak systolic velocity reached a maximum value between days 7 and 9 relative to a positive urinary LH test and started to decline from day 1 of menses minus 3, 4 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in peak systolic velocity from the time of a positive urinary LH self-test might be a useful adjunct for monitoring CL function.
Bourne
T H
TH
Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Swenden.
Hagström
H
H
Hahlin
M
M
Josefsson
B
B
Granberg
S
S
Hellberg
P
P
Hamberger
L
L
Collins
W P
WP
D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003340:Corpus Luteum Maintenance / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology / Q000652:urine; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000652:urine; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone