[Plasma concentrations of LH and of sex steroids during the normal menstrual cycle and during contraceptive treatment].

The authors have studied the long-term effects of combined oestrogen-progestogen on the secretion of gonadotrophins and on ovarian function. Estimation of the radio-immune levels of the plasma concentrations of the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), of oestradiol (E2), of progesterone (P) and of 20 alpha hydroxyprogesterone (20 alpha OHP) and of testosterone (T) served as a base for this study. A test cycle and 8 cycles in which a combination of 50 micrograms of ethinyl-oestradiol and 0.5 mg of norgestrel were administered were studied in 4 normal volunteer women. A pituitary stimulation test using 50 micrograms of gonadotrophin "releasing factor" (LH-RH) was given during the 7th cycle. Ovarian stimulation using human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG) was given during the 8th cycle of treatment in 3 of the women and in 3 other subjects. Pituitary secretion of LH and ovarian secretion of E2 and P are partially inhibited. Pituitary response to the injection of LH-RH stays normal but 5 out 6 patients had no response to stimulation by gonadotrophins. These results allow us to conclude that the lowering of production of gonadotrophins during treatment with combination oestrogen and progestagens is responsible for inhibition of ovarian activity, and that there is a delay before the latter respond to stimulation by either endogenous or exogenous gonadotrophins.