EFFECT OF 1ST-TRIMESTER LOSS ON RESTORATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-OVARIAN AXIS

This randomized prospective study was conducted to determine the lengt h of time required for re-establishment of the reproductive axis follo wing a 1st-trimester spontaneous abortion. The spontaneous gonadotropi n secretion was significantly depressed during the first menstrual cyc le after pregnancy loss, while the estradiol levels had normalized. Pr ovocative testing revealed blunted gonadotropin release in the first m enstrual cycle with return to normal during the second cycle. In contr ast, the ovarian sensitivity was shown to be normal during the first m enstrual cycle after a spontaneous abortion. Endometrial biopsy specim ens were also abnormal during the first menstrual cycle with normal hi stological characteristics by the second menstrual cycle. Therefore, r estoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis after a 1st-trim ester loss is achieved within two menstrual cycles, as determined by r eturn of normal pituitary function.