Oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone level changes in peritoneal fluid around the time of ovulation

In 15 women, peritoneal fluid was obtained by either culdocentesis (n = 20) or laparoscopy (n = 3), before (n = 9) and after (n = 14) ovulation. Ultrasound was used for ovulation detection. Before ovulation the mean oestradiol-17 beta level in plasma and peritoneal fluid was not essentially different; the mean progesterone level was significantly higher in peritoneal fluid. After ovulation both the mean oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone levels were significantly higher in peritoneal fluid than in plasma. In peritoneal fluid, there was a wide distribution of individual oestradiol-17 beta values before and after ovulation; no significant difference existed between the mean pre- and postovulatory oestradiol-17 beta level. More consistent changes were seen in peritoneal fluid progesterone levels; the mean level was significantly higher after ovulation. In three subjects, a low postovulatory progesterone level in peritoneal fluid was associated with a cystic luteal structure observed by ultrasound, suggesting a reduced leakage of fluid from the ovulation stigma.