[Cyclic endometrial changes, ovulation and serum estradiol and progesterone levels in female sterility]

Serial endometrial biopsies and determinations of serum E2 and P levels by radio-immunoassay were performed in 11 women with idiopathic sterility. B ultrasound was employed to monitor the development of follicles and the exact ovulation day. In 9 cases ovulation was observed and normal endometrial changes according to Noyes' criteria with normal cyclic changes of E2 and P levels were present in only 4 cases. 5 ovulated from follicles of smaller size and the secretory phase of the endometrium was delayed. The asynchronous development of endometrium associated with lowered E2 in the follicular phase was deemed to interfere with implantation even in the presence of normal fertilization. Two patients failed to ovulate on account of atretic follicle in one and LUFS in the other. The authors suggest that in idiopathic sterility, especially in the presence of atypical endometrium on the first day of menstruation the E2 levels in the follicular phase and endometrial status on the 3rd-4th day after ovulation should be given due attention.