Treatment of polycystic ovary disease with chronic low-dose follicle stimulating hormone: biochemical changes and ultrasound correlation.

Pure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was administered during six cycles to five patients with "classical" polycystic ovary disease (PCO). Ovulation occurred in four of six cycles, and pregnancy occurred in three of six cycles studied. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels initially declined slowly. Immediately prior to ovulation there was an exaggerated drop in LH coincidental with an estradiol (E2) rise. This was subsequently followed by a rise in LH above baseline consistent with a preovulatory LH surge. No more than a single dominant, preovulatory follicle was noted in the ovaries of any patient in whom pelvic ultrasound was performed. This study adds further in vivo evidence that FSH is capable of interrupting the self-perpetuating biochemical cycle of PCO in a safe and logical way.