[Ovarian function under mini-dose oral contraception. Echographic morphology of the ovaries and hormonology]

The present study correlates ultrasound observations of ovaries with gonadotrophin and ovarian steroid levels in plasma in 18 women using oral contraception through 28 cycles. Follicles could often be made out with ultrasound. They were associated with measurable gonadotrophin values, but the resulting ovarian steroid production often seemed to be very low. However, there are exceptions as shown in one case described here in which ultrasound, gonadotrophin and oestrogen levels together show up coherently. Yet no ovulation was demonstrated. This preliminary study should encourage investigators to carry out further series.