Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 62, 419-423, Copyright © 1986 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Effect on plasma gonadotropins of cyclic steroid replacement in women with premature ovarian failure

PJ Lutjen, JK Findlay, AO Trounson, JF Leeton and LK Chan

A sequential regimen of steroid replacement of oral estradiol valerate and progesterone (P) by intravaginal suppository was developed for women with premature ovarian failure or ovarian agenesis. The regimen, based on a 28-day cycle, resulted in peripheral plasma concentrations of estradiol and P within the normal range of the menstrual cycle and endometrial differentiation consistent with the normal secretory phase. Pregnancy has now been successfully established in four patients following this regimen of steroid treatment and transfer of donated embryos. Plasma concentrations of LH were within the normal range by the end of the first cycle of treatment with exogenous steroids. However, plasma FSH remained above the normal range, even during the third treatment cycle, consistent with the necessity of a gonadal feedback factor (inhibin?) other than estradiol and P for maintaining FSH in the normal range. Although 7/8 patients had a surge of LH at midcycle, only 3/8 patients had concomitant FSH surges, supporting a role for progesterone in facilitating the midcycle FSH surge.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				I. E. Messinis Ovarian feedback, mechanism of action and possible clinical implications Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2006; 12(5): 557 - 571. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Dafopoulos, I. Mademtzis, P. Vanakara, A. Kallitsaris, G. Stamatiou, C. Kotsovassilis, and I. E. Messinis Evidence That Termination of the Estradiol-Induced Luteinizing Hormone Surge in Women Is Regulated by Ovarian Factors J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2006; 91(2): 641 - 645. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Dafopoulos, C.G. Kotsovassilis, S. Milingos, A. Kallitsaris, G. Galazios, E. Zintzaras, P. Sotiros, and I.E. Messinis Changes in pituitary sensitivity to GnRH in estrogen-treated post-menopausal women: evidence that gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor plays a physiological role Hum. Reprod., September 1, 2004; 19(9): 1985 - 1992. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. K. Welt, Y. L. Pagan, P. C. Smith, K. B. Rado, and J. E. Hall Control of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone by Estradiol and the Inhibins: Critical Role of Estradiol at the Hypothalamus during the Luteal-Follicular Transition J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2003; 88(4): 1766 - 1771. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]