Luteinizing hormone increases estradiol secretion but has no effect on progesterone concentrations in the late follicular phase of in vitro fertilization cycles in women treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and follicle-stimulating hormone.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the late follicular phase increase in circulating P concentrations during controlled ovarian stimulation with GnRH-a and FSH can be influenced by addition of LH to the stimulating gonadotropin during the final 2 days.


METHODS
Randomization of patients to receive either FSH alone or FSH with LH (hMG) for the final 2 days before hCG, after follicular phase stimulation with purified FSH.


METHODS
A.C.S. Unit at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.


METHODS
Patients were unselected and were undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Patients received stimulation with purified FSH (300 IU/d) until a follicle of 15 mm was observed; the regimen was then changed to either 225 IU of FSH or 225 IU of hMG.


METHODS
Estradiol and P in the peripheral circulation.


RESULTS
Significant increases in E2 concentration were observed, but there were no changes in the circulating progesterone.


CONCLUSIONS
The late follicular phase increase in P is unrelated to any luteinizing process attributable to effects in the circulation or sensitization of follicular cells to LH.
Adonakis
G
G
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Deshpande
N
N
Yates
R W
RW
Fleming
R
R
D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D002064:Buserelin