Induction of ovulation with pulsatile LH-RH in infertile women

In five women who had demonstrated repeatedly ovulatory cycles with insufficient luteal phases ovulation was supported by continuous intermittent administration of LH-RH, 5 micrograms per 90 min, intravenously by means of a portable pump. All 18 induced cycles were ovulatory. The production of progesterone rose by 75% to 51 nM/l during the midluteal phase. The duration of the luteal phase increased with 49% to 14 days. One patient became pregnant, but aborted spontaneously 20 days postovulatory. The only major side effect seen was an occasional superficial thrombophlebitis.