PATTERNS OF SERUM FSH, LH AND HCG AFTER IM OR IV ADMINISTRATION OF HMG DURING PITUITARY SUPPRESSION

Objective-The study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a com monly used ovarian stimulation regimen on gonadotropin levels. Methods -The behavior of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormo ne (LH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was studied after intr amuscular (i.m.) and intravenous (i.v.) human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) administration. Six female volunteers participated in the study. During pituitary suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (G nRH) agonist (Buserelin), a single dose of hMC (150 IU) was injected i .m, or i.v., in a cross-over design with an interval of 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected frequently after the injection. Serum concentr ations of FSH, specific LH and hCG were determined. Results-After i.m. administration of hMG, a peak FSH concentration of 7.4 +/- 1.3 U/L wa s reached after 8 (6-24) hours, with a subsequent decrease. At 0.5 hou r after i.v. administration, peak FSH values of 30.5 +/- 5.6 U/L were obtained, followed by a decrease to baseline levels within 48 hours. E xogenous LH and hCG were hardly detectable after i.m. administration o f hMG. One-half hour after i.v. injection of hMG, a small increase in specific LH levels to 6.7 +/- 2.6 U/L was shown, followed by a decline . hCG concentrations increased after i.v. hMG administration to 7.6 +/ - 1.4 U/L.