The role of pituitary gonadotropins in follicular stimulation and oocyte maturation in the human.

The serum estradiol (E2) values in normally ovulating infertile women stimulated first by a combination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) [human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG)] and second by FSH only were similar in both stimulation cycles. The serum FSH and LH values measured in one patient were also similar. Basal LH declined by 16 hours after HMG or FSH administration. These data suggest that exogenous LH is not required for follicular maturation as measured by E2 synthesis during ovulation induction in normal women. Maturation of the oocyte, at least in some patients, also progressed normally after the administration of FSH alone, followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), as indicated by the retrieval of viable oocytes which fertilized and cleaved in all patients and the initiation of a pregnancy which progressed normally.