Serum Levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone and of Plasma Progesterone Related to Ovulation by Corpus Luteum Biopsy

Abstract

LH, FSH and progesterone levels in blood were determined in 5 subjects at 8-hr intervals over a 5-day period prior to scheduled laparotomy. The laparotomy was planned for the early postovulatory phase. The time of ovulation was estimated by corpus luteum biopsy. The mean levels of LH showed a significant rise 24 hr prior to ovulation and peaked at 16 hr prior to ovulation. FSH showed a similar but less marked pattern. Plasma progesterone showed a significant rise 16 hr prior to ovulation, with a plateau, or slight fall corresponding to the time of ovulation.