Ovulation induction with luteinizing hormone--releasing hormone in amenorrheic, infertile women.

Thirteen women with infertility thought due to anovulation were treated with LRH. Etiologic diagnoses of amenorrhea included hypothalamic or "idiopathic" and PCOD. All patients had normal gonadotropins and otherwise normal endocrinologic and infertility evaluations; none had ovulated with clomiphene. Patients were studied for six 35 day cycles, single blind, and received LRH or placebo by subcutaneous injections for 28 days/cycle (LRH dosage 1.0 mg 2 or 3 times each day). Frequent assessments of physical status, cervical mucus, vaginal cytology, and serum LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone were performed. Ovulation was documented by basal temperature, serum progesterone and, on occasion, endometrial biopsy. Follow-up was continued for 6 months after therapy. Of the 13 patients treated, eight have ovulated and five have conceived. There were no complications of therapy.