PITUITARY DOWN-REGULATION WITH A SINGLE DEPOT-DOSE OF A GNRH AGONIST (TRIPTORELIN) IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Gonadotropin levels were determined in 17 postmenopausal women before and after administering a single depot-dose of the GnRH agonist tripto relin. E, levels of all samples were in the normal (low) postmenopausa l range and no differences were found when the patients were grouped a ccording to chronological age, or time after menopause. Pre-GnRH agoni st levels of LH and FSH were in the normal (high) postmenopausal range . Two weeks after medication, LH and FSH had decreased to premenopausa l levels (P < 0.0001). Eight weeks after medication, LH levels were st ill low whereas FSH levels had risen significantly again (P < 0.0001). Both LH and FSH levels, however, were still significantly below the s erum concentrations before the administration of triptorelin (P < 0.00 01). The pre-GnRH agonist level of FSH was significantly higher in wom en > 67 years old (P < 0.05), as compared to women < 67 years. Two wee ks after medication both LH and FSH levels were significantly higher i n women more than 15 years after menopause (P < 0.05), as compared to those < 15 years. The same was found for FSH in women > 67 years old. No further significant differences were noted. This study demonstrates a significant decrease of LH and FSH serum levels in postmenopausal w omen within two weeks after administration of a single depot-dose of t he GnRH agonist triptorelin. After eight weeks, in contrast to premeno pausal women, both LH and FSH, although rising, were still significant ly suppressed.