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. 1973 Nov 1;117(5):631-42.
doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(73)90205-6.

Serum gonadotropin and steroid patterns in early human gestation

D R Mishell Jr, I H Thorneycroft, Y Nagata, T Murata, R M Nakamura

Serum gonadotropin and steroid patterns in early human gestation

D R Mishell Jr et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. .

Abstract

PIP: Estradiol (E), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-P), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone-human chorionic gonadotropin (LH-HCG), and human placental lactogen (HPL) concentrations were measured in serum samples obtained daily from 3 women from the last menstrual period (LMP) throughout the 1st few months of gestation. Radioimmunassay of serum samples was used. FSH levels declined after implantation in 1 subject and remained unchanged in the others. HCG levels began to rise above luteal phase LH values 11-14 days after the midcycle LH peak. HPL became detectable 34-38 days after the LH peak. E levels rose steadily after the postovulatory nadir, increasing rapidly 4 weeks after the LH peak. Patterns of P and 17-P were similar initially; both rose after ovulation, remained elevated for several weeks, and then declined. About 11 weeks after the LMP, levels of P again increased whereas 17-P remained low. Single serum samples were obtained from an additional 158 gravid women 6-16 weeks after the LMP, and E, P, and 17-P were measured in each. Mean levels of E steadily increased and 17-P steadily decreased. Mean P dropped to a nadir at 9 weeks and rose therafter. Since the 17-P is mainly of luteal origin, these findings indicated that in normal pregnancy the corpus luteum has maximal activity for about 4 weeks after ovulation. Falling levels of P in the 3 weeks prior to increased trophoblastic production of this hormone may contribute to the cause of 1st trimester uterine bleeding in some women who have normal term pregnancies.

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