[Ovarian function in orthostatic idiopathic edema. Oral administration of progesterone and changes in capillary...

The ovarian function was investigated in 30 women with postural idiopathic oedema by measuring plasma oestradiol and progesterone levels between the 21st and 23rd days of the menstrual cycle. Plasma progesterone concentrations were found to be lower than 5 ng/ml in 53% of the cases and than 10 ng/ml in 83%. The ovarian dysfunction most frequently observed was inadequate corpus luteum, i.e. progesterone deficiency with normal plasma oestradiol levels. In virtually all patients the initial disorder in capillary permeability, as evaluated by Landis' isotopic test, was fully corrected by progesterone administered orally. However, clinical improvement was less marked with treatments of short duration (2-3 consecutive cycles). In view of the complex pathogenesis of the disease, combined treatments in which progesterone might well play the major role are usually required.