Reversal of persistent anovulation in polycystic ovarian disease by administration of chronic low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone.

Low doses of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were administered once daily to two consecutive patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) for therapy of infertility. Serial blood samples were obtained for gonadotropins and ovarian steroid determinations during the period of FSH administration. Exogenous FSH resulted in an initial and concomitant decrease in serum androstenedione (A), estrone (E1), and luteinizing hormone (LH), with an increase in estradiol (E2) and FSH. Subsequent changes in the above-mentioned hormonal levels were typical of a normal ovulatory cycle, with the exception of FSH, which continued to rise in the second half of the follicular phase. This was attributed to the exogenous administration of FSH. Both patients became pregnant in their first induced ovulatory cycle by administration of chronic low-dose FSH. These preliminary data demonstrate (1) a correction of the biochemical imbalance characteristic of PCOD, (2) successful ovulation induction, and (3) restoration of fertility in PCOD treated with chronic low-dose FSH.