Sequential hormone measurements after menstrual regulation in normal Nigerian women

The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of the pituitary hormones (LH, FSH and Prolactin) and Progesterone in normal adult Nigerian women during the first cycle after a menstrual regulation for delayed periods. Hence, eleven healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 35 years were recruited. All the subjects had consulted the Family Planning Clinic for menstrual regulation. Venepuncture was performed immediately before and every other day after the procedure until the onset of the first menstrual period. Serum from the samples were stored at -20 degrees C and later assayed for LH, FSH, Prolactin and Progesterone. The results showed that nine patients (82%) had a demonstrable LH peak whilst seven patients (64%) had a luteal phase serum progesterone in excess of 6 nmol/l. These criteria were used for the diagnosis of ovulation. The combination of two or three indices i.e. LH + FSH peak (64%) LH + Progesterone (64%) LH + FSH + Progesterone (55%) did not seem to confer any special advantages in terms of the diagnosis of ovulation. These results are considered as further evidence for the need to provide contraception in the first cycle after an abortion in women who do not wish to get pregnant immediately.