Fluctuations in CA 125 and CA 15-3 serum concentrations during spontaneousovulatory cycles

The aim of this study was to investigate cycle dependent changes of serum C A 125 and CA 15-3 concentrations during spontaneous ovulatory cycles. Twent y apparently healthy women with spontaneous menstrual cycles attending our infertility clinic were included. Of these women, 18 had occluded tubes as a result of sterilization. Ovulation was confirmed by luteinizing hormone t est and ultrasonography and, to exclude endometriosis, a laparoscopy was pe rformed. Serum samples for CA 125, CA 153, 17 beta-oestradiol and progester one determinations were taken every second day starting on the 2nd day of t he cycle until the 7th day of the next cycle. After correction for inter-in dividual variation in serum concentrations, highest CA 125 concentrations w ere found during the menstruation. During the follicular and peri-ovulatory phase CA 125 serum concentrations were lowest. For CA 15-3, serum concentr ations were not statistically different throughout the cycle. CA 125 and oe stradiol concentrations were negatively correlated, CA 15-3 and oestradiol concentrations were positively correlated, Absolute serum concentrations of both CA 125 and CA 15-3 vary among females, Within the female, fluctuation s of CA 125 are phase related, In the population studied most of the patien ts had tubal obstruction and high CA 125 serum concentrations during menstr uation, which revokes the theory that the menstrual rise of CA 125 is due o nly to retrograde menstruation.