Relation between ultrasonographic evidence of ovulation and hormonal parameters: luteinizing hormone surge and initial progesterone rise.

Relations between ultrasonographic signs of ovulation, the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, and progesterone rise were documented in 28 and 24 spontaneous ovulations, respectively. Two definitions for LH surge were applied to a series of daily LH determinations. The first LH rise was recorded 48 to 11 hours before ultrasonographic signs of ovulation. The best estimate of the LH peak preceded ovulation by 24 to 11 hours, two extremes excluded. The mean progesterone values during the observed ovulation period were in agreement with data in the literature concerning ovulation period were in agreement with data in the literature concerning ovulation timing by corpus luteum histologic features. A considerable intercycle variation is reported in progesterone level and in the slope of the progesterone increase around ovulation. It is concluded that ultrasonographic signs of ovulation might be closely related to anatomic ovulation.