Differences in hormonal characteristics of conceptive versus nonconceptive menstrual cycles

Abstract

Objective: To determine the hormonal characteristics of a fecund menstrual cycle. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Clinical research center. Patient(s): Fourteen patients having artificial insemination with donor semen provided daily blood and urine samples in a nonconceptive cycle and the consecutive conceptive cycle. Intervention(s): Concentrations of E 2, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and P4 were measured in serum. Urine samples were analyzed for metabolites of E 2, P4, and FSH. Main Outcome Measure(s): The serum and urinary hormone profiles of the periovulatory period were compared in conceptive and nonconceptive cycles. Result(s): The mean peak value of periovulatory urinary FSH was significantly higher in conceptive cycles than in nonconceptive cycles. The mean serum E 2 concentration was significantly higher on day 0 (day of peak urinary FSH concentration) in conceptive cycles than in nonconceptive cycles, but mean peak values of serum E 2 did not differ significantly. No other significant differences were observed in serum and urinary hormone profiles between conceptive and nonconceptive cycles. Conclusion(s): A lower, broader peak of FSH in urine was observed in nonconceptive cycles compared with conceptive cycles. Urinary FSH measurements may be useful in predicting less fecund ovulatory cycles and may identify some types of reduced female fertility.