The association between hormone levels and vascular resistance in uterine and ovarian arteries in spontaneous menstrual cycles--a Doppler ultrasound study.

Ninety-four infertility patients were studied by Doppler ultrasound during spontaneous ovulatory menstrual cycles. The pulsatility index (PI) in uterine and ovarian arteries was measured in the follicular and midluteal phase of the cycle. Associations between high PI values and hormones (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone) measured during the investigated cycle and age were evaluated. A high PI in uterine arteries in the follicular phase was associated with low estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels in the studied cycle. In the luteal phase PI values of uterine arteries have no obvious association with E and P levels, and other vasoactive compounds influence the perfusion of uterus during this period. The other hormones analysed and age did not correlate with vascular resistance in spontaneous ovulatory cycles.