LH patterns during clomiphene-induced menstrual cycles.

A total of 409 sterility patients with amenorrhea classified as group II according to the WHO rating scheme were treated with a daily dose of 100 mg of Clomiphene daily for five days in 452 cycles. In addition, 300 infertile subjects with spontaneous cycles (375), but with slight irregularities in the lengths of cycles were included in this investigation as control group. Daily LH serum levels were monitored by rapid solid-phase coated tube RIA. 61.87% of LH single peaks, 28.53% of plateau peaks and 0.53% of double peaks were registered in spontaneous cycles. Similarly, 60.28% single peaks, 23.67% plateau peaks and 0.66% double peaks were registered in Clomiphene-induced cycles. Highest rate of LH plateau and single peaks were found 4 to 6 days and 5 to 7 days, resp., after the end of Clomiphene therapy. No LH peaks were found in 9.07% of spontaneous cycles and in 15.39% of Clomiphene-induced cycles. Data combine to suggest that timing of ovulation by a rapid LH radioimmunoassay is a valuable aid in consulting infertile couples. Failures of patients to conceive must be due to causes other than incorrect timing of ovulation.