Pituitary and ovarian responses to LHRH stimulation in women with clinical features of the polycystic ovary syndrome.

The gonadotrophin release and the changes in ovarian and adrenal steroid levels following the administration of a low dose of LHRH were assessed in a group of women with clinical features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO syndrome). The results were compared with those obtained in a group of normal ovulatory women. A significant increase in LH and FSH levels and a decrease in cortisol concentrations were demonstrated in both study groups following the administration of LHRH. The LH response was significantly exaggerated in the PCO group when compared with the control women. The estrone and estradiol levels did not change in either group. The androstenedione and testosterone concentrations did not change or decreased in the control group, whereas an increase of these hormones was seen in the PCO group. In the PCO group a positive correlation between the LH response and the androstenedione response was noticed. These findings indicate that the hyperandrogenic state encountered in PCO patients is at least in part of ovarian origin.