[Changes in the ovarian flow during the menstrual cycle: an echo-Doppler study]

The results of the velocimetric evolution of the ovarian flow with pulsed Doppler in 15 normal ovulatory cycles are presented. During the follicular phase the blood flow velocity waveforms (FVW) of the dominant ovary presented a progressive albeit non significant increment of its conductance. This rise was not confirmed in the contralateral ovary. After the echographic ovulation the ovarian FVW showed qualitative and quantitative modifications that determine its "luteal conversion". The conductance index (D/S x 100) was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) during the luteal phase than during the follicular and in the contralateral ovary. The luteal conversion of the ovarian FVW is proposed as a new criteria of ovulation and luteal function.