Abstract

PIP: Plasma hormone quantification by means of competitive protein binding or radioimmunoassay used in studying ovarian steroids is reported. Estradiol (E2) and 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 OH-P ) plasma concentrations are indexes in the prediction of ovulation. Values of E2 in anovulatory and ovulatory cycles were significantly different (P less than .05). However, because of the sensitivity of the current methods, 17 OH-P is more reliable in predicting ovulation. A single plasma proge sterone (P) measurement made 72 hours after the elevation in basal body temperature, of greater than 5.7 ng/ml, was sufficient for assessing indirectly the occurrence of ovulation. 17 OH-P levels were found to be 8-10 times higher in a group of patients with polycystic ovaries as compared with normal women. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly suppressed while follicle stimulating hormone levels remained unaffected when parametasone acetate (6 mg/day for 5 days) was given to both groups to suppress the adrenal source. It is suggested that LH release at the hypothalamic level is effected by corticosteroids. The E2/testosterone (T) ratio was also evaluated in women with polycystic ovaries given clom iphene citrate to induce ovulation. Ovulation was induced when the E2/T ratio was greater than .07. However, in the instance of T concentration greater than 1.0 ng/ml, there could be a negative response. The peripheral estrogen levels in some "estrogen-dependent" diseases suggest the description "hyperestrogenemia" is inaccurate and better referred to as hyperestrogenic tissue concentrations.