title: Elevated serum progesterone concentrations during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: clinical significance and therapeutic implications.
abstract: This study describes the incidence and clinical significance of hyperprogesteronemia in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and the effects of prednisolone treatment in patients with this condition. Progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) serum concentrations were determined in 316 consecutive patients admitted for infertility treatment. Elevated concentrations of progesterone in the early follicular phase could be detected in 36 cases (11.4%). In these patients, elevated testosterone and DHEAS concentrations could be detected in eight and ten cases, respectively. Serum concentrations of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol were normal in all patients. Treatment with 2.5-7.5 mg prednisolone/day normalized progesterone serum concentrations within 4-8 weeks. Twenty-four patients achieved a pregnancy either by timed intercourse or by intrauterine insemination (IUI) over the following 12 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keck
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neulen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Breig-Lauel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breckwoldt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000097:blood*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000097:blood; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D011239:Prednisolone