Progesterone in saliva as an index of ovarian function

Progesterone was assayed in samples of saliva collected daily throughout the menstrual cycle and correlated with corresponding daily concentrations of pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide in early morning urine. Ovarian follicular growth was monitored on a daily basis with a real-time sector scanner. The concentrations of salivary progesterone shows a specific pattern with a mid-cycle rise and a peak in the luteal phase. The mean concentration in the follicular phase, as determined, was 40.4 pmol/l (range 15.3-110.7 pmol/l). It increased in the peri-ovulatory period to a peak of 201.1 pmol/l (range 46.4-289.8 pmol/l) 6 days following follicular rupture.