Diagnostic Ovarian Stimulation with Heterologous Gonadotrophin

Abstract

Using heterologous serum gonadotropin, a diagnostic overian stimulation test has been developed which has proved of assistance in the differential diagnosis of no cause secondary amenorrhea. Thirteen patients with hypothalamic/hypogonadotrophic amenorrhea showed a modest increase in the urinary excretion of estrone, levels rising from less than 4 [mu]g to 8-14 [mu]g/24 hours. In 4 subjects with polycystic ovaries the excretion of estrone rose to at least 50 [mu]g/24 hours. Four of the former group were treated with human follicle/stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin. Three showed hormonal evidence of ovulation and 2 conceived in the 1st cycle of treatment. Three of the 4 subjects with polycystic overies were subjected to bilateral ovarian wedge resection and each now has regular ovulatory menstruation.