Return of ovarian function after abortion.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Therapeutic abortion can impact hormonal profiles.
• Understanding the return of ovulation is crucial for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hormonal changes and ovulation following therapeutic abortion.
• To assess luteal phase function in the first post-abortal menstrual cycle.

Main Methods:

• Measured plasma estradiol and progesterone, and urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) in 18 women.
• Monitored hormonal levels until the first menstruation post-abortion.

Main Results:

• Hormonal levels (estradiol, progesterone) rapidly declined post-abortion.
• Ovulation returned in 83% of women within the first cycle, with an LH peak around day 16.
• Luteal phase progesterone was lower than in normal cycles, suggesting inadequate luteal function.

Conclusions:

• Ovulatory function returns quickly after therapeutic abortion.
• The rapid return of ovulation necessitates immediate post-abortal contraception.
• Inadequate luteal function may occur in the first post-abortal cycle.