Ovarian follicular maturation in women. II. Reversal of estrogen inhibited ovarian folliculogenesis by human gonadotropin

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to investigate the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in reversing estrogen-induced follicular atresia. Normal menstruating women received ethinyl estradiol (EE2) 50 micrograms/day orally from days 2 to 7 after the onset of menses. Concomitant intramuscular injections of 1.0 ml of saline were administered to group 1, 75 IU of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) to group 2, and 150 IU units of FSH and LH to group 3. Daily blood samples were obtained throughout the investigative cycle for FSH, LH, 17 beta-E2, and progesterone. The women in group 1 had evidence of follicular atresia and a significant reduction in serum FSH and LH when compared to group 3 (P less than 0.002 and less than 0.001 respectively). Ovarian follicular development was maintained in groups 2 and 3, based on ultrasound evidence and the interval from menses to midcycle LH surge. These data indicate that the exogenous administration of FSH and LH results in maintenance of ovarian follicular development in women treated with exogenous estrogen.