Elevated serum progesterone concentrations during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: clinical significance and therapeutic implications

This study describes the incidence and clinical significance of hyperproges teronemia in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and the effe cts of prednisolone treatment in patients with this condition. Progesterone , testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) serum concentrati ons were determined in 316 consecutive patients admitted for infertility tr eatment. Elevated concentrations of progesterone in the early follicular ph ase could be detected in 36 cases (11.4%). In these patients, elevated test osterone and DHEAS concentrations could be detected in eight and ten cases, respectively. Serum concentrations of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and cor tisol were normal in all patients. Treatment with 2.5-7.5 mg prednisolone/d ay normalized progesterone serum concentrations within 4-8 weeks. Twenty-fo ur patients achieved a pregnancy either by timed intercourse or by intraute rine insemination (IUI) over the following 12 months.