Menstrual cycle characteristics in chronically hemiovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Circulating levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone were measured by RIA in daily serum samples throughout the menstrual cycle in five regularly cycling, chronically hemiovariectomized, adult cynomolgus monkeys. The hormonal patterns, the lengths of the follicular and luteal phases, and the overall cycle length were nearly indistinguishable from those observed in intact cycling monkeys. The findings accord with the notions 1) that in intact monkeys, the contralateral ovary contributes little, if at all, to the regulation of the function or lifespan of the corpus luteum, and 2) that the corpus luteum after spontaneous luteolysis has no local residual effect inimical to new follicle growth.