V. Padmanabhan et al., Dynamics of bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone secretion in women withpolycystic ovary syndrome: effects of estradiol and progesterone, FERT STERIL, 75(5), 2001, pp. 881-888
Objective: To determine the nature of bioactive FSH secretion in anovulator
y women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its modulation by luteal
levels of E-2 and P.
Design: Interventional and observational study.
Setting: Academic clinical research center.
Patient(s): Five patients with PCOS.
Intervention(s): Treatment for 21 days with luteal levels of E-2 and P.
Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of immunoreactive LH, immunoreactive FS
H, bioreactive FSH, and the FSH isoform distribution pattern. Blood was sam
pled frequently and GnRH testing was done on day 0 (before treatment), days
10 and 20 (during treatment), and day 28 (7 days after treatment).
Result(s): Treatment with E-2 and P suppressed circulating immunoreactive L
H and immunoreactive FSH but not bioreactive FSH. Anovulatory women with PC
OS showed a predominantly acidic pattern of FSH isoform distribution. Treat
ment with E-2 and P shifted the distribution profile of FSH isoforms to the
less acidic. After cessation of E-2-P treatment. FSH reverted to its pretr
eatment pattern of distribution.
Conclusion(s): Resumption of follicular growth after luteal replacement of
E-2 and P in anovulatory women with PCOS may be related to the reduction in
the elevated LH/FSH ratio and accompanying changes in the FSH signal. (Fer
til Steril(R) 2001;75:881-8. (C)2001 by American Society for Reproductive M
edicine.).