[The influence of long-term medication with the LH-RH analogue buserelin on the regulation of the menstrual cycle (author's transl)].

We investigated in 70 women over a period of 6 months the influence of different dose regimen of the potent LH-RH analogue Buserelin (HOE 766: 400, 200, 100 micrograms per day) on pituitary and ovarian function. The histological findings of the endometrial biopsy specimen (n = 109) were correlated with the hormonal profiles and the bleeding pattern. There was an evident dose-related inhibition of ovulation or corpus luteum integrity. A regular bleeding pattern was found more often in the lower dose groups. Unopposed estrogen effects recognized by prolonged endometrial stimulation were mainly registered in women with amenorrhea induced by 400 micrograms buserelin. Regression of endometrial stimulation could be observed during the six months period of medication. If higher dose regimen will lead to a more consistent inhibition of ovarian function, remains to be investigated.