Analysis of gonadotropin pulsatility in hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relation between plasma gonadotropin pulsatility, androgen levels, and estrogen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles, and in healthy women.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University medical center-based cellular and molecular endocrinology laboratory.


METHODS
Eight healthy women (group 1), 9 hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles (group 2), and 19 women with PCOS (group 3).


METHODS
Plasma concentrations of LH and FSH were measured by RIA every 15 minutes for 12 hours.


METHODS
Rhythmic parameters of 12-hour LH and FSH secretion.


RESULTS
Rhythmic parameters of 12-hour LH secretion were significantly higher in patients with PCOS (group 3) than in controls (group 1) or in hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles (group 2). The frequency of LH pulses was statistically higher in patients with PCOS (group 3) than in controls (group 1). Statistically significant correlations were found when the frequency of LH pulses was plotted against basal LH concentrations and rhythmic parameters of 12-hour LH secretion.


CONCLUSIONS
Luteinizing hormone pulse amplitude was higher in patients with PCOS than in hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles or in healthy women. The LH pulse frequency was increased only in patients with PCOS compared with healthy women and not in hirsute women with normal menstrual cycles.
Minanni
S L
SL
Division of Endocrinology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
Marcondes
J A
JA
Wajchenberg
B L
BL
Cavaleiro
A M
AM
Fortes
M A
MA
Rego
M A
MA
Vezozzo
D P
DP
Robard
D
D
Giannella-Neto
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D010507:Periodicity; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone