Recovery of luteal function after interruption of gonadotrophin secretion in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation was induced by a pulsatile infusion of GnRH in a patient with hypogonadotrophic amenorrhoea. In order to investigate the effect of short-term withdrawal of gonadotrophin support in the luteal phase, the pulsatile infusion was stopped 3 d after ovulation and restarted 48 h later. After stopping the pump gonadotrophin and progesterone concentrations fell rapidly to very low levels, but when the infusion was restarted progesterone concentrations returned to normal mid-luteal values. Menstruation occurred 14 d after the LH surge. We conclude that normal progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum can be restored after temporary withdrawal of gonadotrophin support.