A study of peroxidase levels in human cervical mucus as an index of ovulation

Abstract

Fourteen healthy women were screened for the following parameters throughout one complete menstrual cycle: levels of urinary oestrogens and pregnanediol; levels of plasma and urinary gonadotrophins; and pH, protein content and levels of peroxidase in the cervical mucus. It was found that concentrations of peroxidase in the cervical mucus were not a reliable index of ovulation.

PIP: Samples of cervical mucus, plasma, and urine were collected daily through 1 complete menstrual cycle from 14 healthy volunteers not taking oral contraceptives and screened for pH, protein content, levels of peroxidase in the cervical mucus, and for levels of urinary estrogens and pregnanediol and plasma and urinary gonadotropins. Ovulation occurred in 13 of the women. It was found that although peroxidase concentrations are a reliable indication of ovulation in veterinary science, it is a poor indicator in human beings. Only 2 of the women had a peak of peroxidase activity at ovulation. Others had 1 or 2 peaks before and/or after ovulation. In the anovulatory cycle a wide fluctuation is seen. Charts present the findings.