Effect of Clomiphene Citrate on Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin and Serum Progesterone Levels during Ovulation Induction

Abstract

Mid-luteal phase serum progesterone, cortisol, and corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations were measured in 46 conception cycles and in 19 ovulatory, non-conception cycles in patients with spontaneous ovulation and following ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or human menopausal gonadotropin. Significant elevations (P less than 0.05) of serum corticosteroid-binding globulin were noted in patients under therapy with Clomid. This effect was not secondary to elevated serum estrogen levels. This alteration in serum binding protein levels appears to be secondary to a direct effect of Clomid on hepatic synthesis and may have significance in relation to progesterone binding and metabolism during ovulation induction with Clomid.